by Chris Wheeler | Jan 13, 2014 | Critiques, Critiques d'Albums
Vesterian
“Anthems for the Coming War”
Glorious North Productions
2013
It’s surprising that California’s VESTERIAN haven’t attained more exposure since the band’s previous moniker, CENTURION, began in 1994 and released two demos. Following a name change, VESTERIAN have released a total of five demos before attracting the attention of Glorious North Productions this year with their first full-length. “Anthems for the Coming War” marks a solid entry for the label and propels the group into the pantheon of Black Metal’s adept elite!
Moving from North Carolina to Los Angeles has done nothing to “brighten” the musical vision of this quintet as Under the Red Moon can attest. Here, furious drums foster a rampaging momentum and frigid atmosphere is punctuated by the grim opening riff. About the two minute mark, VESTERIAN embark upon a journey of epic proportions highlighted by an emotional, longing riff before background keyboards enhance the guitar solo that is simply breathtaking! Quite similar to early 90’s Norwegian Black Metal, VESTERIAN opt for melodically, feral rhythms and blasting beats. Comparisons to Troll or early Covenant may be appropriate, especially on Dead Kings of Tyranny, a song that bears all the hallmarks of these bands and, Ancient Bloodthirst an equally stunning example of well thought out riffs and a striking solo! If there’s any criticism to “Anthems for the Coming War”, the sound of the record seems to rely heavily on the thundering drums (which could use a bit more variation) and guitar, whereas the bass is virtually absent from the final mix save for Dark Oceans Roar During the Cosmic Upheaval where it’s lurking in the distant background in the opening riff. Though a cold, threatening aura is achieved, overall, the sound could be “thicker”.
“Anthems for the Coming War” certainly lives up to its name as VERTERIAN storm out of the mellifluous realm of extreme Metal to serve up traditional fare, albeit with panache! Not straying too far from the blueprint of Norwegian 90’s Black Metal, the band aptly performs icy numbers with epic zeal and soaring solos! With one full length under their belt, the future looks “dark” for the five some, if they can include a bit more foundation to the sound and vary the drum tempos. However, this arguably is a solid listen nonetheless!
Standout Tracks: Under the Red Moon, Dead Kings of Tyranny, Blasphemous Sorcery of a Witch King
7.5/10
Chris
by Chris Wheeler | Jan 3, 2014 | Critiques, Critiques d'Albums
Pagan Throne
« Pagan Heart » Ep
Self Released/Independent
2013
Brazil has most notably been synonymous with Thrash Metal legends, Sepultura, and cult heroes such as Sarcofago and Vulcano, but recently there has been a new trend in Brazillian extreme Metal that’s forcing its way onto the global arena, Folk Metal! Rio de Janeiro’s, PAGAN THRONE are a band that combine the essence of Black Metal with the catchy, foot stompin’ rhythms of Folk, and on their latest ep, “Pagan Heart”, the potential for greatness is certainly there.
Tremelo guitar fury and melody grace much of the three songs on display here as “The Trial of the Gods” greets the listener with tales of heroism and mythological warfare. Not content to merely ride a mid- paced tempo, “Diseases of the New World”, shows Pagan Throne’s more aggressive side, complete with Rodrigo Garm’s venomous vocal rasp and clean, shouted attack. Ep closer, “Pagan Heart” is perhaps the record’s shining light as calm keys and tambourines quietly anticipate the rousing guitars and epic quality the song imbues.
Though the musical ideas are interesting enough, the sound quality is somewhat lacking. Often, when the vocals are heard, the guitars seem to disappear in the background while the keyboards could be made a bit louder to embellish the drama the songs are made for. “Pagan Heart” is not a terribly heavy release and can be comparable to fellow country mates, TUATHA DE DANANN’s metallic side. Surely, Pagan and Folk Metal fans will lap this up, but if PAGAN THRONE wishes to compete in an already saturated scene, future releases may need more “teeth”.
Standout Tracks: “Pagan Heart”
6.5/10
by Chris Wheeler | Jan 3, 2014 | Critiques, Critiques d'Albums
Necrotrashers
Prazer Cadeverico (demo)
Unsigned/Independent
2013
What do you get when Central American ‘80’s Thrash Metal meets unnerving cold Black Metal? You get Brazil’s trio, NECROTRASHERS! Releasing their debut demo, Prazer Cadeverico, these young metalheads surely have the ambition and drive to carve their way into the subconscious of underground fans worldwide!
Feedback, garage sounding production and energy abound as the demo’s intro. merges into “Violador”, a track infused with a primitive Thrash attack and raw Black Metal feel. Together with essentially minimalist ideas Necrotrashers get the point across as a band refusing to cater to commercial viability! Exuding bile-ridden, hoarse vocals, Necrotrashers blazes through and even pays homage to Slayer’s Tom Araya’s signature scream on “Cripta Maldita de Mistérios Ancestrais”.
Stylistically, Prazer Cadeverico remains predictably similar in vein throughout, but the hunger is there! “Miasma” displays a furious drum blast before more punkish influences creep in and a slightly underwhelming guitar solo rears its ugly head while “Mortalha” builds epically until the standard Thrash fare begins and leads the listener down a familiar path.
Five short blasts of reckless abandon dictate the overall tone of Necrotrashers’s, Prazer Cadeverico, and for a first demo the Brazilians have the attitude and venom to satiate many rabid fans, especially if they fine tune the ideas and performances enough for a full length.
Standout Tracks: “Sanguinario Obscuro”, “Mortalha”
6/10
Chris
by Chris Wheeler | Déc 31, 2013 | Critiques, Critiques d'Albums
Darkside
« Inferno »
Wolfblood Productions
2013
Beginning their career with their “Depression” demo in 1992, Austria’s DARKSIDE have steadily released albums straddling the thin line between melodic and symphonic Death Metal culminating in this year’s “Inferno”! Focused on the true events concerning Madeleine de la Palud, a seventeenth century nun accused of witchcraft and demonic possession during France’s own “Inquisition”, the album is steeped in dramatic flair, both conceptually and musically.
“Black Halls of Infancy” secures the album’s overall leanings towards mid-paced rhythms and also encapsulates unique flamenco flourishes, which nicely show the band’s willingness to expand their sound beyond the borders of typical Death Metal standards. Even though DARKSIDE dance around mid-90’s Swedish crunch, songs like “Baptized in Fire”, “Blood of Golgotha” and the title track, “Inferno”, all reveal added predilections to outside influences. Instrumental, “Madeleine”, for instance, begins with a beautifully eerie acoustic intro. awash with background keys before heading into Yngwie Malmsteen type solo territory.
DARKSIDE certainly know how to construct soulful tunes that tell a story all the while creating a certain mood. “Inferno” isn’t fast or “blasting”, save for “Aix 666” which is properly harrowing in its fury. In fact, the tempo doesn’t necessarily change all that much throughout, which could be considered detrimental to the album as it boasts a lengthy playtime (there are total of 19 songs and one bonus track). However, occasional instrumentals (some orchestral) are sprinkled throughout and break the pace allowing for a very cinematic experience to be had. Retelling a detailed story can be a challenge when set to music, but “Inferno” does a good job of pacing the drama. Dreary, threatening numbers abound here, complete with hooky guitar solos that cascade over crunchy riffs as the narrative is explored, particularly through “Malleus Maleficarum” and “Where No Life Dwells”.
Indeed, one may need ample time and patience to appreciate the album’s length and subtle nuances, but like an epic historical film, DARKSIDE’s, “Inferno” should act as an ambassador for epic storytelling. Though, not overly caustic or furious, the cuts herein do find appreciation in their knack for catchy rhythms and infectious leads. The ugly truth about history can sometimes inspire an artist to interpret events accordingly or find the beauty in its darkness, which is what the Austrians have done here…
Standout Tracks: “Madeleine”, “Inferno”, “Blood of Golgotha”, “Aix 666”, “Malleus Maleficarum”, “The Burning II”, “Where No Life Dwells”
8.5/10
Chris
by Chris Wheeler | Déc 24, 2013 | Critiques, Critiques d'Albums
Nader Sadek
“Living Flesh”, Live DVD
Self Released/Independent
2013
New York’s, Death Metal alumni, NADER SADEK released a full 40 min. live DVD in 2013 covering their first record, “In the Flesh” while adding some hearty performances and is a standout juggernaut! Beginning with haunting soprano vocals, courtesy of Carmen Susana Simoes, her eerie voice beckons the audience forward as “Nigredo in Necromance” pummels the audience right from the outset!
Donning a face mask, Steve Tucker vomits and spews vocal poison making for an imposing figure on stage. From “Mechanic Idolatry” to “Of This Flesh”, the energy this performance imbues is highly corrosive and altogether brilliant. Multiple camera angles allow the viewer to really get up close and personal as the angles shift from stage to audience periodically.
“Soulless” is particularly jarring as Flo Mounier attacks the skins with his trademark precision and the aural chaos is meshed perfectly with the slower, melodic break in the middle – flawless. Leading into “Rusted Skin/Drum Solo”, Mounier displays confidence and precision commanding a hearty applause from the audience but the fast-cut editing, at times, prevents the viewer to see what he’s actually playing.
Sound wise, the set is crystal clear and every nuance is heard as guitarists, Blasphemer and Sean Frey’s tone is completely threatening as feedback creepily announces “Of This Flesh” and set closer, “Petrophilia’s” technical riffery! Not much for stage banter, Steve Tucker and Co. rage through the set with force and conviction all the while leaving some respite for beautiful vocal segues. NADER SADEK’s, live DVD, “Living Flesh” is an example of a band going for the jugular and just when you think you’ve had enough, you haven’t!
8/10
Chris
