« Cleareyes » EP
Self Released/Independent
2009
When he’s not blasting away on Carpathian Forest numbers, drummer Anders Kobro can be heard in NEONGOD, a band he joined in 2009, following their inception in 2005, and which also features Ivan Gujic from Blood Red Throne. Norway has long been affiliated with the classic Black Metal template, but NEONGOD is an entirely different beast altogether! Released in 2009, “Cleareyes” exudes confidence and attitude while pushing the limits of thrash Metal laden with tons of groove!
“Zitadelle” begins with grit and caustic discord slightly similar to Slayer, especially in how the vocals are delivered, fast paced and shouted with furious intonation. Title track, “Cleareyes” conveys much of what the rest of the record relies on; groove and attitude. “Stop and go” riffs abound while the chorus is catchy and will no doubt have fans head banging in unison live! “Fragments of Blood” is loaded with vitriol and high energy “moshable” rhythms as well.
What allows “Cleareyes” to be so enjoyable are not only the infectious patterns but the “shout along vocals” that surely garner NEONGOD a rabid crowd during live performances. “Safe Report from the Breeding Station” perfectly demonstrates this along with “Stalingrad”, the only song to include a brief blast beat behind a punchy lead riff. The albums solos are to be recognized as well for being unconventional and frantic, notably on “Fragments of Blood”.
For fans of Pantera and 1990’s era Thrash, NEONGOD’s “Cleareyes” will leave you exhausted after a short, spirited bout of contagious rhythms and aggressive tempos! Not highly technical or fast, the mid-paced leanings will certainly be memorable for fans with a penchant for catchy Metal on overdrive! To be enjoyed with friends over a few beers!
Standout Tracks: “Cleareyes”, “Safe Report from the Breeding Station”
8/10
Chris
