Tag Archives: thrash metal

Album Review – Display of Decay / Dust of Existence (2015)

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After being infected by this deadly Death Metal virus from Canada, you’ll pleasantly suffer from brutal headbanging, deep growling and an impetuous urge to slam into the pit.

Rating5

display of decay artworkThere’s a deadly virus spreading from Edmonton, Canada to the rest of our rotting world since 2007, which major symptoms include brutal headbanging, deep growling and especially an urge to slam into some sick circle pits, similar to what happens when we listen to Death Metal icons such as Deicide, Cannibal Corpse and Cryptopsy, commonly known as Display of Decay. This five-piece infection truly knows how to bring forth pungent and coarse Death Metal tunes intensified by the addition of elements from Thrash and Doom Metal, making sure all songs from their brand new release, entitled  Dust of Existence, have something unique to offer to the listener.

In addition, Dust of Existence is not just a new album, but a direct epilogue to their 2014 EP named Outbreak of Infection, telling what happened to mankind after the horrifying events caused by the devastating virus presented in the EP. That’s also portrayed in the artwork of the new album, showing how focused the band was during its writing and composing period, and therefore adding an extra layer of complexity to the final result. However, don’t expect to find any gentle passages or progressiveness in the music by Display of Decay as you would in most “concept” albums, but pure malevolence with a raw attitude that will get inside your brain and relentlessly crush it.

The opening track, Created to Kill, needs less than ten seconds to show how visceral the band’s musicality is, presenting crude riffs enhanced by rumbling and intricate bass lines. Not only that, the demonic vocals by Jessy Leduc, supported by the harsh backing vocals by Sean Watson, create a truly evil atmosphere that perseveres until the end of Dust of Existence, which in my opinion provides a good consistency to the entire album. Relentless Reprisal also offers an intense sounding where its belligerent lyrics (“Shadows in the night, New plight of terror / Seeking revenge, Silent abduction / Eye for an eye, I take your life / Revenge prolonged, calculated”) and the blustering bass guitar by Jacob Maisonneuve turn it into a delight for all types of death metallers, followed by the pulverizing High Voltage Castration and its “cute” lyrics, so morbid I’m not going to add them to this review. Regarding the music itself, it is catchy and intense, and I’m sure you’ll start banging your fuckin’ head to its kick-ass riffs while Jacob continues his “ode to Alex Webster” through his sick bass lines. Besides, the special sound effects halfway through the song are truly “electrifying”, giving life to its lyrics.

The next song, Maruta, has a very interesting name which I’m not quite sure if that was the inspiration for the band to compose it. Maruta is the name of a special program of experimentation on human beings at the Imperial Japanese Army’s Unit 731 (a covert biological and chemical warfare research and development unit), and it makes total sense taking into account the concepts and ideas of the album. Maybe the band can confirm that? Anyway, it showcases such a brutish rhythm as if giant trolls were playing the instruments instead of humans, presenting one of the sickest versions of Death Metal you can think of (but, of course, with the talent of the musicians involved elevating its overall quality). Cellar Goreatory is yet another solid display of traditional Death Metal, with highlights to its vile vociferations, headbanging riffs and nonstop violence, but it’s in Messiah Complex that the band takes bestiality to the next level. It’s that always interesting variation of Death Metal where speed gives place to gore and heaviness, with kudos to rhythm guitarist Jeremy Puffer for his amazing performance delivering tons of melody and violence through his unrelenting riffs. Moreover, Jessy sounds so inhuman with his growls it makes me wonder how his actual voice is, and how hard it’s for him to switch it to this extremely rough mode.

Display-of-Decay---2015---PNyctophilia means a love or preference for night or darkness, which is perfectly depicted in its lyrics (“Blinded by light, Darkness arise, / From the tomb, I revive! / Last of my kind, Ancient sacrifice, / Empty carcass , Cloak of darkness!”). It’s more of the band’s old school Death Metal for us, with its instrumental being as dark and heavy as the name of the song demands. And although one might say there’s no creativity in tunes like this, who said good Death Metal needs that? Closing this poisonous album, the title-track Dust of Existence, also the longest of all songs, showcases some interesting melancholic moments that end up supporting this excellent Death/Doom Metal chant of desolation and despair. The whole band proves they can also craft metallic compositions from other subgenres of Extreme Metal, with the rawer than usual production becoming essential for the music to work in this demonic tune.

What are you waiting for to get infected by this talented Death Metal act? Follow them on Facebook, check their YouTube channel and SoundCloud page for more of their music, and also purchase Dust of Existence at their BandCamp page. I’m sure you’ll pleasantly suffer from all the aforementioned symptoms after listening to this solid album.

Best moments of the album: Created to Kill, High Voltage Castration and Messiah Complex.

Worst moments of the album: Cellar Goreatory.

Released in 2015 Independent

Track listing
1.Created to Kill 3:41
2.Relentless Reprisal 2:53
3.High Voltage Castration 5:16
4.Maruta 4:21
5.Cellar Goreatory 3:26
6.Messiah Complex 4:30
7.Nyctophilia 3:23
8.Dust of Existence 7:10

Band members
Jessy Leduc – vocals
Sean Watson – lead guitars, vocals
Jeremy Puffer – rhythm guitars
Jacob Maisonneuve – bass
Avery Desmarais – drums

Album Review – Battalion / Tyrant of Evil EP (2015)

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The battlefield of true Heavy Metal is calling our names through the tunes of war by this talented old school Brazilian squad.

Rating5

Tyrant of evilIf you’re a diehard fan of the impactful Heavy/Speed Metal from the 80’s, when bands like Running Wild, Exciter, Grave Digger and Iron Angel redefined the underworld of metal with their blend of aggressiveness and harmony, I suggest you turn your attention to the city of Itajaí, located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, around 100km from the state capital Florianópolis, because what Heavy Metal power trio Battalion are capable of doing with their musical weapons will fulfill your deepest needs for fast and furious battle chants.

Formed in the year of 2005, Battalion released as their official debut a highly-acclaimed self-titled demo in 2007, which opened many doors for the band not only in Brazil but everywhere in the world where good old school metal music still lives, followed by an EP in 2012 and a full-length album in 2013 both named Empire of Dead. Now in 2015, in order to keep kicking the asses of the unfaithful at full force, those Brazilian warriors launched a special EP entitled Tyrant of Evil, containing two new steadfast compositions as well as the five original combat songs from their 2007 demo.

As if they wanted to send their loyal metal soldiers to war, Battalion offer the listener the overpowering title-track Tyrant of Evil, with its exciting old school riffs making it feel like Grave Digger decided to play Metallica’s classic “Whiplash”.  In other words, it’s a straightforward tune tailored for connoisseurs of Speed and Thrash Metal from the 80’s, with highlights to guitarist Álvaro Santana Junior for not only knowing how to craft gripping riffs, but for also being pretty solid with his guitar solos. The second fresh song from the EP, Hell Razor, showcases a strong European influence boosted by hints of American Thrash Metal, with lead singer/bassist Marcelo Fagundes revving up the band’s engine with his awesome bass lines while the song’s riffs excoriate your skin mercilessly. In addition, based on his killer performance, it looks like drummer Fabiano Barbosa loves to play at the speed of light from the bottom of his heart.

1500After that amazing start, Battalion take us back in time to the year of 2007, starting with their “tribute” to German legends Grave Digger entitled Battalion of Metal. Raise your swords and let’s go to battle with Battalion, as I’m pretty sure their fans go crazy when they play this tune live. The next tune, Valley of the Dead, presents riffs a la Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, and it’s important to mention it doesn’t sound like a demo so cohesive it is. Another interesting detail in their music is that most of the time the vocals in the old songs are a lot more inclined to Thrash Metal than to traditional Heavy Metal, which also happens in Fighting for the Glory, another battle anthem with an epic vibe. Fabiano doesn’t let the energy level go down with his rhythmic beats, letting Marcelo lead the band in their fight for glory with his warrior vocals and old school attitude.

You’ll be headbanging nonstop to the excellent Final Battle in less than five seconds so rapturous it is. This is by far my favorite from the old demo songs mainly due to its great riffs and chorus, the type the world learned to scream together with tons of bands while raising their fists in the 80’s, an era when we can say Heavy Metal became “mainstream”. And the last tune, Soldiers from the Shadows, takes you to the battlefield for one last fight. This great display of their passion for old school metal music is perfect for some air guitar and obviously for headbanging, closing the EP at the same speed it started.

You can get your copy of Tyrant of Evil (and of the band’s previous releases, as well as albums from many other amazing metal bands) at the Kill Again Records website, sign up for the band’s metallic army at their official Facebook page, and get more information on the band and their upcoming concerts at the Sangue Frio Produções website. The battlefield of true Heavy Metal is calling our names, and it’s through the tunes of war by this talented old school Brazilian squad.

Best moments of the album: Tyrant of Evil.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2015 Kill Again Records

Track listing
1. Tyrant of Evil 2:59
2. Hell Razor 3:42
3. Battalion of Metal 4:43
4. Valley of the Dead 4:06
5. Fighting for the Glory 4:29
6. Final Battle 3:48
7. Soldiers from the Shadows 3:27

Band members
Marcelo Fagundes – vocals, bass
Álvaro Santana Junior – guitars
Fabiano Barbosa – drums

Album Review – Hateful Warfare / Scenarios Of Execution EP (2015)

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It’s time to be executed in a heartless and gruesome way through the music by this vicious Death Metal band from Brazil.

Rating5

11329653_839212942837134_1148590419_nFounded in the beginning of 2015 in the city of Joinville, located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, Death/Thrash Metal band Hateful Warfare are set to crush your souls and show you how good Brazilian extreme music is with their debut EP entitled Scenarios Of Execution. Discussing controversial themes such as religion and war through their lyrics, this talented power trio knows how to mix harmony and aggressiveness to make their message sharper and more scathing, characteristics that always add significant value to Extreme Metal.

Not only Scenarios Of Execution represents total devastation in a little less than 25 minutes of music, but the band’s cohesiveness becomes even more outstanding if we keep in mind the band members have been together in this project for less than one year. Perhaps their main influences, which range from old school Death and Thrash Metal the likes of Kreator, Exodus and Death, to the traditional Heavy Metal by Iron Maiden, to the Punk Rock/Hardcore attitude by Misfits, to the fierce sonority crafted by their fellow countrymen Sepultura, Krisiun, Korzus and Ratos de Porão, is what makes the music found in Scenarios Of Execution sound so strong, and therefore a delight for fans of the genre.

An eerie and devilish voice in the diabolical intro Ready for Disaster introduces the listener to the band’s nightmare-ish and raw musicality in Welcome to My Nightmare, which starts in an epic and imposing way before all hell breaks loose and the band begins firing their nonstop metallic aggression mercilessly. In addition, the vocals by lead singer/bassist Andrei sound truly inspired by the early days of Max Cavalera with an extra touch of despair added; and how can their riffs be so dirty, dark and melodic at the same time?

Put the words “infernal” and “war” together and you’ll obviously get a feast of blast beats, tons of shredding and violent growls, which is exactly what you’ll find in the excellent Infernal War. Drummer Denis showcases his technique by adding some interesting breaks amidst his sick beats, and kudos to guitarist Norba for another excellent job done on guitar, enhancing the song’s ferocity. Blending the acid music by icons such as Exodus, Slayer and Dark Angel, Slaves of Christ offers four minutes of brutality and blasphemy the way only good old Death Metal can: it’s simply perfect for a destructive circle pit, and you gotta love how Andrei screams the chorus with so much anger and hate. Moreover, although they’re (still) an underground band, you’ll notice how professional they sound in this song, keeping up with the music by well-established names in the global metal scene.

1500 (2)Following that blasphemous tune, prepare your neck for another headbanging massacre, this time inspired by Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel, named Addiction to Kill. Its riffs and drums will undoubtedly put you to “dance” and slam into the pit together with Hateful Warfare, but save your energies because the havoc is not over yet, as the heavy and technical tune Bloody Night will provide you some catchy riffs and a thunderous atmosphere, also flirting with raw Black Metal and Doom Metal to give it an even darker taste, keeping you electrified from start to finish. And lastly, making sure they smash everyone that crosses their path, Hateful Warfare close this visceral EP with another old school song named Fuel for Infernal Disgrace, discharging riffs that are even heavier than before, therefore guiding the musicality to a higher level of carnage. An awesome ending that leaves the listener eager for more of their hellish music, if you ask me.

Hateful Warfare are waiting to pulverize you on their Facebook page and YouTube channel, or if you prefer you can find all details about the band, their debut EP and their concerts at the official Sangue Frio Produções website. If you want to be “executed” in a heartless and gruesome way through the music by a vicious Death Metal band, these Brazilian guys definitely have what it takes to satisfy your inner desire for brutality.

Best moments of the album: Welcome to My Nightmare and Bloody Night.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2015 Independent

Track listing
1.Ready for Disaster (Intro) 1:43
2.Welcome to My Nightmare 3:34
3.Infernal War 4:23
4.Slaves of Christ 4:07
5.Addiction to Kill 3:42
6.Bloody Night 3:21
7.Fuel for Infernal Disgrace 3:55

Band members
Andrei – vocals, bass
Norba – guitars
Denis – drums

Album Review – Lamb of God / VII: Sturm und Drang (2015)

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Braving all the storms and stress in their lives, Mr. Randy Blythe and his squad boldly externalize their deepest fears through their aggressive new album.

Rating4

CoverSeveral bands and artists all over the world would love to benefit from the type of exposure frontman Randy Blythe got on the media after his manslaughter case, focusing on the external situation rather than on the music itself to sell more and consequently make more money. Fortunately for fans of high-quality heavy music that’s not the case with his own band, American groove metallers Lamb of God, who put together instead their talent and personal experiences to generate another excellent and violent studio album, this time entitled VII: Sturm und Drang.

Of course there are many references to Randy’s period in prison, but this is not a “prison record” according to him.  The whole album is in fact about the psychology of humans reacting under extreme conditions, which also explains its subtitle “Sturm und Drang” (a German term that means “Storm and Stress”), how we deal with our personal demons and what to expect for our future. And when the music supporting such emotional concept is as thrilling as what Lamb of God can craft, you know the album is already more than halfway to success.

Longtime fans of Lamb of God will connect instantly to the new album as soon as the brutal and vicious Still Echoes begins, led by an enraged Randy Blythe and with Chris Adler, who will drum on the new Megadeth album, proving here why he was chosen by Mustaine for the duty. And the battle rages on in the awesome Erase This, a violent but still very melodic tune where the band will break your neck mercilessly, with highlights to the great job on guitars by Willie Adler and Mark Morton, especially their solos. Then in the dark and heavy tune 512 you will be able to feel in details the time Randy spent in prison. He actually wrote the lyrics to the song in Pankrác Prison, in the Czech Republic, cell number 512 (most of his time was spent in a basement dungeon), while he was contemplating how the experience was changing him, and you can feel his desolation and pain flowing through his words (“Six bars laid across the sky / Four empty walls to fill the time / One careless word, you lose your life / A grave new world awaits inside”).

Embers, featuring lead singer Chino Moreno of Deftones, whose clean vocals sound good but nothing truly remarkable, is a rhythmic and melodic devastation perfect for their live performances to ignite some circle pits, while Footprints showcases a modern version of the band’s Groove/Thrash Metal with an amazing dark atmosphere, with Chris kicking ass on drums and Randy vociferating all his anger and frustrations. Randy is definitely not in a good mood in this song, no doubt about that. Following that bestial massacre, Overlord cools down the animosity a bit, reminding me of some of the old classics by Stone Temple Pilots but obviously heavier. It’s a good “break” from all the havoc the band has delivered so far, but that’s just until its melancholic and introspective instrumental suddenly becomes another demonic metal feast.

lamb of godThe magnificent Anthropoid is the perfect depiction of contemporary extreme metal, where although violence is the most important element present in the music, its level of complexity is still extremely high and astonishing. It’s a nonstop headbanging tune fueled by huge doses of madness and electricity, and knowing this song hasn’t been included in their most recent setlists makes me deeply sad. In Engage the Fear Machine, they slow down the rhythm once again without losing their ferocious vibe thanks to the growling vocals by Randy, to its groovier than usual riffs and to its frantic drums, which sound like bullets hitting solid metal to be more precise.

Closing the regular version of the album, it’s time for war with Lamb of God in Delusion Pandemic, where the cohesiveness among band members beautifully enhances the song’s obscurity. In addition, the metallic guitar lines by Willie and Mark provide Randy all he needs to keep kicking ass and delivering aggressive words (“Allocate your future to the delegates / Relegate your muses to the surrogates / Long green apron stings that end in hooks / Sunk deep, written off, and on the books”). And finally, Torches, featuring lead singer Greg Puciato of The Dillinger Escape Plan, is in my opinion the weakest of all tracks, very bland and generic compared to the rest of the album with nothing special to offer to the listener like most of the other songs of the album. Moreover, if you acquire the limited digipak edition of VII: Sturm und Drang, you’ll be treated to two bonus tracks, Wine & Piss and Nightmare Seeker (The Little Red House), both as good and exciting as the regular album tracks.

To sum up, it’s good to see Lamb of God are leaving their comfort zone by exploring new approaches and heights and facing their inner demons, which in the end translates into more meaningful music for the total delight of their loyal fans as we can enjoy in VII: Sturm und Drang. That is to say, if there’s a band that truly learned how to externalize all their weaknesses and fears through their music, braving all the storms and stress in their lives without showing any signs of backing off or giving up at any moment, that’s undoubtedly the ruthless squad led by the one and only Randy Blythe.

Best moments of the album: Footprints, Anthropoid and Delusion Pandemic.

Worst moments of the album: Embers and Torches.

Released in 2015 Epic Records/Nuclear Blast

Track listing
1. Still Echoes 4:22
2. Erase This 5:08
3. 512 4:44
4. Embers (feat. Chino Moreno) 4:56
5. Footprints 4:24
6. Overlord 6:28
7. Anthropoid 3:38
8. Engage the Fear Machine 4:48
9. Delusion Pandemic 4:22
10. Torches (feat. Greg Puciato) 5:17

Limited Digipak Edition bonus tracks
11.Wine & Piss 3:33
12.Nightmare Seeker (The Little Red House) 4:56

Band members
Randy Blythe – vocals
Willie Adler – guitar
Mark Morton – guitar
John Campbell – bass
Chris Adler – drums

Guest musicians
Chino Moreno – additional vocals on “Embers”
Greg Puciato – additional vocals on “Torches”

Album Review – Goat Torment / Sermons to Death (2015)

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A consecration of extreme music and the occult, not in the name of the Father, nor of the Son, nor of the Holy Spirit.

GT_sermons_to_death_HDForged in the fires of hell in the accursed year of 2008, with the intention to create music as a weapon of mass destruction and to annihilate everything which our so-called society stands for, Belgian Occult Black/Death Metal beasts Goat Torment are back and ready to haunt our souls with their brand new full-length album, the rapturous Sermons to Death. In other words, get ready to have your body and soul crushed by 40 minutes of the most deviant form of extreme music you can think of.

After the release of their debut album Dominande Tenebrae in 2013, and after touring with wicked names such as Enthroned and Black Crucifixion, including their first ever live appearance on American soil at Maryland Deathfest in 2014, this Ghent-based horde is following the steps of their fellow countrymen Enthroned in regards to the savagery stemming from their music and the profanity advocated through their lyrics. All that blasphemy might be an issue for people who are not really into Black Metal, but it’s indeed a dark delectation for diehard connoisseur of the genre.

When a Black Metal intro starts as dark as Opening the Gates, going on for over three minutes, you know there will be blood and torment through the rest of the album, which is confirmed as soon as the blackened storm entitled Bones Aligned comes ripping. The music is so intense and legitimate it doesn’t sound that only two musicians are generating it, with highlights to Kwel, the mastermind behind Goat Torment, for vociferating his vocal lines in a flammable way, and to the tempo changes that end up making the whole song even more memorable. Rising Dominion mixes the hardcore attitude from Slayer to the vileness of Black Metal, with the resonant bass lines and blast beats turning up the heat in this sonic devastation, while Hierarchy of Negligence, the first of their two epic songs, offers seven minutes of a Black, Death and Doom Metal extravaganza boosted by an astounding level of malignancy. Drummer Torturer (Mor Dagor, ex-Bethlehem, ex-Belphegor) lives up to his name and “tortures” the listener with his furious beats, supporting Kwel and his dark and blasphemous riffs and words.

goat tormentWhile some people hate short instrumental tracks like Within the Realm of Darkness, I think they’re essential for telling a good story in a Black Metal album, preparing the listener to what’s next, which in the case of Sermons to Death is the morbid Defloration of the Holy Cunt, one of the “cutest” names I’ve ever seen in my life for a song. You can imagine how nasty and grotesque this anthem is, full of growls, sick riffs and unstoppable drumming that will dilacerate your mortal soul. Do I need to say I loved it? Anyway, Death is Crowned makes it hard to believe Goat Torment are almost a one-man army so complex it is: Kwel is extremely talented, and just like most European musicians he can easily add tons of melody to extreme music, it doesn’t matter if it’s old school Black Metal or if it’s a blend of Blackened Doom and Thrash Metal like what happens in this song.

Showing absolutely no mercy for our souls, The Domineering Profane emanates despair through Kwel’s demonic vocals, perfect for some hellish headbanging, before their second epic song, Of Fire and Brimstone, closes this excellent album. This ode to hell starts as visceral as possible, and as the name of the song suggests, fire and sulphur impregnate the atmosphere, with highlights to the anger Kwel shows during its entirety, making your blood boil until the ominous last part of this sick tune drags us down to hell together with Kwel and Torturer. Or maybe you want to take another listen to the whole album, and another one after that, before joining them in the underworld?

Either way, whenever you’re ready to join the dark side with Goat Torment, simply visit their Facebook page, YouTube channel or SoundCloud page. And don’t forget to buy your copy of Sermons to Death at the Amor Fati Productions webshop or at their BandCamp page, an album that can be considered a consecration of Extreme Metal, not in the name of the Father, nor of the Son, nor of the Holy Spirit.

Best moments of the album: Bones Aligned, Hierarchy of Negligence and Defloration of the Holy Cunt.

Worst moments of the album: The Domineering Profane.

Released in 2015 Amor Fati Productions

Track listing
1. Opening the Gates 3:41
2. Bones Aligned 3:21
3. Rising Dominion 5:46
4. Hierarchy of Negligence 6:49
5. Within the Realm of Darkness 1:28
6. Defloration of the Holy Cunt 2:11
7. Death is Crowned 4:27
8. The Domineering Profane 3:58
9. Of Fire and Brimstone 7:12

Band members
Kwel – vocals, guitars, bass
Torturer – drums

Album Review – Inkvisitor / Doctrine of Damnation (2015)

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If you want to be indoctrinated into frenzied and rousing heavy music, the brand new album by this talented platoon of thrash metallers is exactly what you need.

Rating4

coverStrongly inspired by the blazing musicality generated by the most prominent bands from the Bay Area Thrash movement, especially names such as Anthrax and Testament, Finnish thrash metallers Inkvisitor (the Swedish word for “inquisitor”) are set to release their debut full-length album Doctrine of Damnation, aiming at indoctrinating all of us into their high-quality frenetic music. And what they do in this album, joining the strength of American Thrash Metal with the Scandinavian proficiency in crafting harmonious and melodic music, will help them achieve their purpose without a shadow of a doubt.

Formed in 2012, this Jyväskylä-based band has really improved as a whole if you listen to their previous release, their 2014 EP entitled Delirious Tales, in terms of cohesion and aggressiveness of their music and content of their lyrics. They’re still a Thrash Metal band who loves to have fun with their music above all, of course, but now with a stronger focus on all aspects of the album production, such as the amazing old school artwork by Mad Matt Design and the deluxe sound quality, the final result is a lot more robust and pleasant to listen to.

Can you guess what comes after the intro MMXV A.D.? If your answer is “pure old school Thrash Metal” you’re absolutely right, as the epic and devastating Damnation already pumps the listener up with its strong Anthrax-inspired vibe, especially the deranged vocals by Aapo Vuori and the sick riffs by Lauri Huttunen and Jesse Kämäräinen. And why slow down if you can accelerate the savagery like they do in nataS ageM (or “Mega Satan” if you read it backwards)? Its lyrics are an ode to old school Thrash Metal, in special its chorus (“The power of nature, pure anarchy / The regin of eternity and absolute / Lord of destruction, original chaos / He is the one true MEGA SATAN”), and I don’t know if you agree with me but I can easily visualize the iconic Joey Belladonna manically singing those words. I would even say that if the band was called “Pernarutto” instead that would make total sense (Google it and you will understand why).

promo1pFocusing on a heavier sonority, the band tells a fun and creepy story of abduction that seems to be part of a B-horror flick in Abduction at Night, where drummer Petteri Milan has a good time switching from his rhythmic drumming to brutal blast beats, while Three Phases of Disembodiment showcases another interesting (but this time gory) story told by Inkvisitor. Moreover, its guitar lines keep the energy level high, with Aapo screaming and yelling his vocal lines to provide even more adrenaline to the music. And J-Town Anthem, their tribute to their hometown Jyväskylä, works as an intro to Eine Box (Mobile Shredding Unit), a song with a similar musicality from “Abduction at Night” where Inkvisitor once again deliver solid riffs, wicked vocals and huge doses of electricity through their music.

Mixing the speed from Megadeth and Testament with the attitude from Anthrax, fans of old school metal music will love the organic shredding and solos offered by Inkvisitor in Nothing to Live For. However, it’s in Hellbound For Carnal Knowledge that they reach another level of destruction in a little more than two minutes of pure headbanging, mosh pits and screaming. Its lyrics pay an awesome tribute to one of the best horror movies of all time, the disturbing 1987 classic Hellraiser (“Woke up with this / Puzzle in my hand / A tune so pretty lured me to open it / Carnal knowledge from another dimension / What have I done / I’m torn to pieces”), and I don’t need to say that if they don’t play this song live, we riot. Lastly, closing the album in an exciting way, Inkvisitor sing about the power of the gods in Claim What is Yours, with highlights to its fuming guitars flawlessly supported by the solid bass lines by Pekka Hölönen and the precise beats by Petteri.

It doesn’t matter if you get in touch with Inkvisitor through their Facebook page, YouTube or SoundCloud, and if you buy their album at their BandCamp page  or at their official webstore, as long as you show your sincere support for these amazing newcomers of thrash I’m sure they will keep delivering awesome metal music to all of us. As previously mentioned, Inkvisitor are trying to indoctrinate us into their nonstop Thrash Metal music, summoning us all to go crazy into the pit, so why not give these guys a chance? They surely deserve it.

Best moments of the album: Damnation, nataS ageM and Hellbound For Carnal Knowledge.

Worst moments of the album: Eine Box (Mobile Shredding Unit).

Released in 2015 Haje Records

Track listing
1. MMXV A.D. 1:15
2. Damnation 3:43
3. nataS ageM 4:06
4. Abduction at Night 4:24
5. Three Phases of Disembodiment 4:06
6. J-Town Anthem 0:56
7. Eine Box (Mobile Shredding Unit) 4:47
8. Nothing to Live For 4:27
9. Hellbound For Carnal Knowledge 2:03
10. Claim What is Yours 5:24

Band members
Aapo Vuori – vocals
Lauri Huttunen – guitar
Jesse Kämäräinen – guitar
Petteri Milan – drums

Guest musicians
Pekka Hölönen – bass
Kalle Raijonkari – additional vocals
JC Halttunen – additional vocals

Album Review – Rifftera / Pitch Black (2015)

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Don’t be afraid of the dark and let this high-end futuristic Melodic Death Metal album satisfy your metallic desires.

Rating4

rifftera-coverAfter releasing a couple of demos in the past few years, it’s time for Finnish Melodic Death Metal band Rifftera to strike the world of heavy music with their debut studio album Pitch Black, a slashing feast of metallic and melodic tunes tailored for fans of Soilwork, In Flames, Arch Enemy, Megadeth, Trivium, among many other amazing heavy bands. In other words, if you’re one of those people who believe harmony and violence should always walk hand in hand to generate good music, Pitch Black will satisfy you in every sense, keeping you entertained from start to finish.

In my humble opinion, what really makes this promising band formed in 2010 in Vaasa, Finland stand out from other similar bands is the harmonious complexity of their compositions, which ends up helping the band tell the different stories within each song of the album, their evolution and consequences. For instance, although Pitch Black has only eight songs it goes on for over 54 minutes, an average of almost seven minutes per song. Not only that, I believe they wouldn’t have been able to produce an album so unique and complete without the futuristic sounding of the synths by keyboardist Antti Pöntinen, who is capable of leading the musicality even with all the heaviness of guitars, drums and harsh screams surrounding him.

And it’s those electronic effects generated by Antti that start the party in Back To Life, a violent Melodic Death Metal song that blends the Gothenburg sound with a more modern Finnish touch. In addition, singer/guitarist Janne Hietala does an awesome job delivering sheer rage through his vocal lines, enhanced by the song’s strong riffs and catchy chorus. Then we have One Step Closer,  where its synths remind me of some sounds from the classic album Turbo by Judas Priest, adding a lot of energy to the savagery brought forth by the other members of the band. However, in the faster and more brutal tune Lightbringer, synths remain in the background while the songs vicious riffs by Janne and Mikko and the nonstop drums by session drummer Thomas Tunkkari take the spotlight. It seems they love the “harsh screams during most parts of the song/clean vocals on chorus” formula, and they prove they have a very good reason for that, as this song is a pure delight for fans of Melodic Death Metal from Scandinavia.

Rifftera-PromoAshes Fall is another track full of melody and anger where a solid instrumental perfect for headbanging takes over the ambience, with its second half being truly melancholic, in special its guitar riffs and solos. The only negative comment in this song is that this time the chorus is not so powerful, harming the final result a bit. On the other hand, their Thrash Metal vein arises in the superb Rotten To The Core, featuring Swedish singer Björn “Speed” Strid from Soilwork, a flawless exhibit of melodic riffs, solos and drumming with spot-on lyrics about how all politicians are always deceiving us with their greedy lies and false promises (“How would this time be any different? / Haven’t we learned before? / How would this one make any difference? / You know one / You know ’em all”). It’s impossible not to love this whirlwind of ruthless Melodic Death Metal, one of the best contemporary compositions you can find anywhere, and I believe this is the path Rifftera should take in their future releases. Fans will surely have a good time inside the circle pits when this song is played, with kudos to Janne for sounding as choleric on vocals as the musicality demands.

They keep their music at a high level in Open Wounds, with Thomas contributing to its progressiveness and rage behind his drums, and pay attention to how the keyboards remain sharp and enhance the eerie atmosphere amidst the nonstop metal sounding. In the also wonderful The Ruins Of The Empire, the initial riff is so thrilling it’s hard not to play some air guitar and bang your head to it, with the sick growls by Janne during the chorus taking it to a deeper level of fury. Furthermore, there’s even time for a keyboard solo in this excellent tune, and it’s also remarkable how the professionalism and quality of the sound elevate the final result considerably. And finally, it looks like the last part of the album is dedicated to the heavier and darker side of Rifftera, which is confirmed in the title-track Pitch Black.  Its acoustic intro sets the tone for their most epic creation, flirting with Symphonic Black Metal so obscure and heavy it gets, with some moments reminding me a little of the guitar duos from the epic songs by Iron Maiden. It’s a sonic exhibit of wickedness and despair, almost a metal opera with imposing synths and orchestrations leading the music to a climatic ending.

In summary, if Melodic Death Metal is what you love the most in life, don’t be afraid of the dark and go check Rifftera’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, and buy your copy of Pitch Black at Record Shop X or Inverse Store, you won’t regret that at all. These talented Finnish metallers put their hearts and souls into the making of this high-end futuristic album, something you can feel in each and every song, turning it into a must-have item in your collection of melodic and angry tunes.

Best moments of the album: Lightbringer, Rotten To The Core and The Ruins Of The Empire.

Worst moments of the album: Ashes Fall.

Released in 2015 Inverse Records

Track listing
1. Back To Life 5:22
2. One Step Closer 5:53
3. Lightbringer 5:27
4. Ashes Fall 7:03
5. Rotten To The Core (feat. Björn “Speed” Strid) 6:20
6. Open Wounds 5:24
7. The Ruins Of The Empire 6:40
8. Pitch Black 11:48

Band members
Janne Hietala – guitar, harsh vocals
Mikko Kuoppamaa – guitar, clean vocals
Antti Pöntinen – keyboards
Jupe Karhu – bass

Guest musicians
Björn “Speed” Strid – additional vocals on “Rotten To The Core”
Thomas Tunkkari – session drummer

Album Review – Matanza / Pior Cenário Possível (2015)

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11

Death, misfortune, arrogance, serial killers, the end of the world and an immensurable amount of dark humor. This is not the worst-case scenario, but the best Countrycore you can find in the world.

Rating4

coverWhen I mentioned HERE, in one of our Classic Albums reviews, that the music by Brazilian Countrycore band Matanza is an excellent option for learning Brazilian Portuguese, I was not joking. All their lyrics are insanely poetic, it doesn’t matter which of their albums or songs you’re listening to. However, they’ve truly stepped their game up in Pior Cenário Possível (or “worst-case scenario” in English), the seventh studio album in their inebriate and bad-tempered career, evolving from the usual “women-drinking-partying” lyrics to more introspective and dark themes.

This subtle but important change was the perfect match for the mix of Hardcore, Punk Rock, Heavy Metal and Rock N’ Roll brought forth by this talented Rio de Janeiro-based band, refining their acidity and ill temper even more. Not only that, this is their first album ever to feature two guitarists, Marco Donida and Maurício Nogueira, another significant improvement to their musicality. Unfortunately the album also marks the departure of longtime bassist Jefferson “China” Cardim, replaced by Dony Escobar, but if you take into account all the positive changes the “worst-case scenario” proposed by Matanza is far from being bad after all.

Let’s ignite some serious mosh pits with the sick bass lines by China in the opening track A Sua Assinatura (“your signature”), where its solid instrumental gets impregnated by the band’s acid lyrics and attitude, always boosted by one of the strongest characteristics of their music, Jimmy London’s grumpy and rough vocals. O Que Está Feito, Está Feito (“what’s done, is done”) is pure Countrycore, with its rhythmic drumming and poetic lyrics tailored for enjoying a pint of a strong Irish beer while listening to it, while the hardcore riffs and beats in Matadouro 18 (“slaughterhouse 18”) showcase how brutal and fun Matanza can be at the same time. Moreover, I love how they manage to turn a horrifying story or situation into thrilling music, just like what they do with this song.

matanzaWhen they slow down and focus on a more Stoner Rock musicality they sound as awesome as their faster songs, which is exactly the case in A Casa em Frente ao Cemitério (“the house in front of the cemetery”), with highlights to its angry chorus and the heavy guitar riffs by Marco and Maurício. Sob a Mira (“under the gun”) sounds almost like Country Metal, with one of the best lyrics of the whole album about how some men are capable of defying death no matter what. Its exciting rhythm is enhanced by a nice slower break, including a good guitar solo, and of course by Jimmy wishing all of you good luck when you go down to hell. And the title-track Pior Cenário Possível (“worst-case scenario”), a slow and somber tune, is not happy at all. Quite the contrary, it’s about things getting worse and worse for a poor sailor at the sea even if that seems impossible, with only the bad-tempered vocals by Jimmy being able to translate all that misfortune into words (“Quando vê a tempestade se formando no horizonte / A nuvem carregada vindo em sua direção / Gira o botão, mas o rádio não responde / Água subindo de nível / Pior cenário possível / Casco na proa esta rachado / O barco já está adernado / Teria alguma sugestão? / Não!”).

The last part of the album keeps kicking ass, starting with O Pessimista (“the pessimist”), an authentic Countrycore track with great performances by drummer Jonas Cáffaro and bassist China, and yet another song where lyrics go beyond poetry so actual they are, followed by Chance pro Azar (“chance to bad luck”), the worst of all tracks where its bland instrumental and lackluster chorus do some serious harm to the final result. What about the awesome Orgulho e Cinismo  (“pride and cynism”), a very exciting tune that will undoubtedly generate some sick headbanging and circle pits during their live performances, where the bass lines by China keep rumbling inside your head while Jimmy flawlessly sings about the end of our arrogant society? Its riffs get a lot heavier and faster like what we usually find in Thrash Metal, just like the galloping hardcore sounding in Conversa de Assassino Serial (“serial killer conversation”), the perfect soundtrack for a pub fight with highlights to the powerful beats by Jonas and its climatic ending. In addition, this is how they depict two serial killers peacefully discussing about their demented actions (“Eu cometi o mesmo erro que você tempos atrás / Me colocaram na cadeia, mas eu consegui fugir / Me escondi numa cabana na montanha por um mês / E não é pra me gabar, mas eu matei bem mais de seis”). Do I need to say more?

You can purchase this ode to death, misfortune and arrogance at the official Deckdisc website or on iTunes, and don’t forget to check Matanza’s official Facebook page for their latest news and tour dates. The worst-case scenario in case you don’t acquire Pior Cenário Possível? Well, let’s say that not only you’ll be deprived of the best Countrycore you can find in the world, but you’ll also be taking one more step towards the inevitable end of the world together with the rest of our egotistic and devious society.

Best moments of the album: Matadouro 18, Sob a Mira, Orgulho e Cinismo and Conversa de Assassino Serial.

Worst moments of the album: Chance pro Azar.

Released in 2015 Deckdisc

Track listing
1. A Sua Assinatura 3:28
2. O Que Está Feito, Está Feito 2:40
3. Matadouro 18 2:47
4. A Casa em Frente ao Cemitério 3:49
5. Sob a Mira 4:01
6. Pior Cenário Possível 3:32
7. O Pessimista 3:08
8. Chance pro Azar 3:04
9. Orgulho e Cinismo 3:20
10. Conversa de Assassino Serial 5:27

Band members
Jimmy London – vocals
Marco Donida – guitar
Maurício Nogueira – guitar
Jefferson “China” Cardim – bass
Jonas Cáffaro – drums

Album Review – Shrapnel Storm / Mother War (2015)

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Grab your bayonet, your hand grenades and your combat helmet, because it’s time to go to war to the music by this excellent Death Metal band from Finland.

Rating5

SHRAPNEL STORM - Mother War cover artThe term “shrapnel”, used to represent fragments of a bomb, shell or other object thrown out by an explosion, has its origin in the early 19th century, named after Major General Henry Shrapnel (1761–1842), a British artillery officer whose experiments culminated in the design and development of a new type of anti-personnel artillery shell used until World War II. However, since 2007 it can also be used to describe the straightforward war-themed Death Metal by Finnish quintet Shrapnel Storm, a band highly influenced by icons such as Bolt Thrower and Obituary who above all relies on brutality, respect for traditions and groove to shape their own sounding.

Founded in the city of Tampere, Finland and singing almost exclusively about war and fighting, “The Old School Death Metal Bulldozer” as the band itself likes to say has already released four demos since its inception, but it’s now in 2015 that they’re finally ready to strike and conquer the world of heavy music with their debut full-length album, the violent and elaborate Mother War. If you are a fan of visceral Death Metal supported by a meaningful and electrifying concept, you’ll have an amazing time going to war with Shrapnel Storm.

The intro Casus Belli, which starts to the sound of that infamous siren from World War II, is the perfect example of how detailed their music and lyrics are. This is a term of war and politics, an expression that comes from Latin used to describe an act that justifies war. For instance, the Soviet Union staged the artillery shelling of the Russian village of Mainila and blamed Finland for the aggression, using it as a “casus belli” for the Winter War (1939-1940). Interesting, isn’t it? But let’s get down to business with the raw and gruesome Carpet Bombing, where lead singer Ville “Ykä” Yrjölä starts firing his growls while the rest of the band presents their sonic weapons. In addition, its guitar riffs are so dirty (in a good way) to the point they sound like a real war instrument.

The amazing tune Detracked will make you bang your fuckin’ head due to its modern and fresh rhythm, but keeping that inner ferocity needed in Death Metal. Drummer Mikko Orava leads the attack backed up by the sick guitar lines by Aki Laaksola and Tohtori Mäkitalo, turning it into one of the best tracks of the entire album. Following that raid we have the short and blustering Combat High, where hints of Thrash Metal make the final result even more enjoyable and the asperity of the musicality is perfect for the message sent. By the way, this song focuses a lot more on its lyrics than on the music itself, like if they were trying to convert the words of most soldiers in the world into sonorous rage (“Like many before me / I will go down eventually / But before the time is nigh / I will take as many as I can”).

SHRAPNEL STORM band photo 425wAnd this nonstop war machine from Finland delivers another solid track tailored for fans of the mid-tempo Death Metal by Obituary and Deicide, entitled Calling of the Void, with the bass lines by Petri Saarenma sounding clearer and more metallic, followed by Warfiend, with highlights to its badass intro and to its sharp riffs and bass lines. Moreover, the harsh growls by Ykä get closer to what Max Cavalera used to do with Sepultura in classic albums like Arise and Beneath the Remains. Darker and more melodic than its predecessors, the title-track Mother War provides the listener awesome lyrics about the passion mankind has for all things war (“Athena, guide us to victory / In assault led by the valkyries / Freyja, if we die in battle, welcome us to your halls / Mother war, we are your rising storm”), with the old school guitar riffs and solos by Aki and Tohtori boosting the song’s overall electricity.

The fast and rhythmic To Each Battle showcases a great cataclysmic vibe with interesting breaks and variations and absurdly angry vocal lines by Ykä, and I’m pretty sure its powerful atmosphere will generate some sick mosh pits if this song is played live. Then we have the high-quality combination of Death and Thrash Metal in Radars Down, where Mikko unleashes his inner beast on drums and with some of the riffs reminding me of the all-time classic “Seasons in the Abyss” by Slayer, giving the song a more melancholic touch; and finally themore introspective and progressive Rising Storm, where some sort of dark energy emanates from all instruments and vocal lines. Its lyrics might look harmless at first sight, but we all know how frightening they are (“Deserted streets, all the windows barred / On the borders the men stand in guard / Women and children hidden beneath the ground / Waiting in terror for that siren to sound”), not to mention its final piano passage full of sorrow, closing the album as if the war was over at last.

If you’re a true Death Metal soldier and enjoyed the impetuous music by Shrapnel Storm, go enlist yourself at their Facebook page, check their SoundCloud and ReverbNation pages, and purchase your copy of Mother War at Levykauppa Äx or at the Witches Brew webshop. As the peace treaty seems to be coming to an end, you better grab your bayonet, your hand grenades and your combat helmet, because it’s time to fight side by side with these talented Finnish death metallers.

Best moments of the album: Detracked, Combat High and To Each Battle.

Worst moments of the album: Calling of the Void.

Released in 2015 Witches Brew

Track listing
1. Casus Belli 1:20
2. Carpet Bombing 3:15
3. Detracked 4:22
4. Combat High 2:27
5. Calling of the Void 3:39
6. Warfiend 4:15
7. Mother War 5:09
8. To Each Battle 3:48
9. Radars Down 3:56
10. Rising Storm 6:08

Band members
Ville “Ykä” Yrjölä – vocals
Aki Laaksola – guitar, vocals
Tohtori Mäkitalo – guitar
Petri Saarenma – bass
Mikko Orava – drums 

Guest musicians
Zachary Hietala – guitar solo on “Radars Down”
Aadolf Virtanen – piano on “Rising Storm”

Album Review – Reanimator / Horns Up (2015)

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Put your horns up and slam into the pit with one of the best and most entertaining Canadian Thrash Metal bands of all time.

zcoverWhat would happen if a hybrid of Anthrax and Testament was born inside a frantic circle pit during a Toxic Holocaust concert, and from that day on this deranged metallic creature had Exodus as its mentor to teach it a fuckin’ lesson in violence? That, my headbanging friends, is the most suitable depiction of Canadian Thrash N’ Roll band Reanimator and their brand new album, the badass mosh pit-generator Horns Up, a flammable parade of vintage Thrash Metal that will leave you completely disoriented so intense and fun it is. In other words, it’s like trying to take the bull by the horns, but having your ass kicked instead and feeling completely satisfied with that.

Since the creation of the band in Montreal, Canada in 2005, Reanimator dug an important place in the Quebec scene, offering an incendiary feast of old school Thrash Metal seasoned with modern elements. After some lineup changes and after releasing a demo, a couple of EP’s and their first full-length album entitled Ignorance Is No Excuse (2009), it was about time for our society to be smashed one more time with the thunderous music by these talented Québécois metallers. The only question I have in mind is if the band was named after the 1985 cult movie Re-Animator, which in case you don’t know it I suggest you go watch it right now. As this classic film is a gory and hilarious variation on the Frankenstein story, it makes sense for the band to use its name due to their undeniable ability of resuscitating that Thrash Metal from the 80’s we all love so much.

Arising from the hellish realms of Thrash Metal, the opening track Electric Circle Pit will throw you into an electric circle pit of awesomeness due to its Anthrax-inspired riffs, creating a cool and energetic vibe where the harsh and powerful vocals by Patrick Martin will get into your head in a very good way. And while some people wait to be caught in a mosh, others simply rush for it like what happens in Rush For The Mosh, an old school Thrash Metal anthem with a Hardcore/Punk Rock atitude, sounding like many classics from the 80’s. Moreover, drummer Francis Labelle doesn’t let the party slow down with his beats, while guitarists Ludovic Bastien and Joel Racine are two unstoppable machine guns of riffs and solos.

ReanimatorHeaderThe next track, Tempted By Deviance, is perfect for that most traditional form of circle pit, like the one fans “worship” during the unparalleled classic “Toxic Waltz” by Exodus. The whole band is kicking fuckin’ ass, with highlights to the vibrant bass lines by Fred Bizier and to the excellent chemistry between Patrick’s lead vocals and the backing vocals. To put it simply, if they don’t add this song to their setlist, we riot.  Anyway, Thieves Of Society presents to the listener a modernized version of Thrash Metal from the Bay Area, in special its metallic riffs and rhythm, with the guitar solos halfway through it being like a journey back to the golden age of Thrash Metal. Then it’s time to slam into the pit with the nonstop monster known as The Abominautor: this is one of those songs where you go crazy slamming, screaming and drinking together with the band, yet another mandatory tune to their live performances. In addition, its guitars and bass lines are beyond tough, beautifully complemented by its amusing lyrics (“Born and raised in outer space / Came down to earth to kill posers / Decontaminating the human race / Ain’t got no pity for those losers”).

and it’s not over yet, motherfuckers, as Reanimator keep dilacerating our souls with The Mosh Master, a Thrash Metal onslaught where the heavy artillery imposed by Francis behind his drum set and the Rob Dukes-like hardcore vocals by Patrick will hit you in the head like a fuming panzer; followed by Still Sick, a song where their passion for heavy music gets even clearer when you see there’s no sign of slowing down at all, and I can imagine the level of devastation its basic but solid as hell instrumental is capable of causing live. Sounding like a (superb) tribute to old school Anthrax, Off With Their Heads is the type of song that would put a huge smile on Scott Ian’s face, mainly due to its sing-along lyrics, catchy riffs and fist-pumping chorus, before Mock A Mockingbird, the most Rock N’ Roll of all tracks, closes this excellent album. The bass guitar by Fred sounds a lot more vibrant, and we have to admit its last part gets pretty interesting with the hints of progressiveness and feeling provided by all musicians.

If you want to go head to head with this raging thrashing bull, go check their official Facebook page, their awesome videos on their YouTube channel, and buy Horns Up at their Big Cartel or BandCamp pages. What are you waiting for, you piece of “thrash”? Put your horns up and slam into the pit to the music by Reanimator, undoubtedly one of the best and most entertaining Thrash Metal acts from the Canadian scene.

Best moments of the album: Electric Circle Pit, Tempted By Deviance, The Abominautor and The Mosh Master.

Worst moments of the album: Mock A Mockingbird.

Released in 2015 Independent

Track listing
1. Electric Circle Pit 4:16
2. Rush For The Mosh 2:45
3. Tempted By Deviance 4:56
4. Thieves Of Society 4:36
5. The Abominautor 3:24
6. The Mosh Master 2:48
7. Still Sick 4:27
8. Off With Their Heads 3:31
9. Mock A Mockingbird 4:38

Band members
Patrick Martin – vocals
Ludovic Bastien – guitar
Joel Racine – guitar
Fred Bizier – bass
Francis Labelle – drums