« In Defiance«
2013
Adding new Ingredients to an Already Classic Recipe!
Emerging from the unlikely place of Calgary Alberta, Canada, a region best known for its conservative politics and popular Country music, BLACK PESTILENCE reveal a staunch foot in both the Black Metal and Punk genres. Shooting from the hip, the threesome have already penned a steady flow of recordings since 2009’s “Vice” and show no signs of “slowing down”, having released a split with Villainizer earlier this year in May, a rapid follow up to the album I’m gonna talk to you about.
Last year’s “In Defiance” marks the band’s third full length and commitment to the Dark One while raising awareness about social injustice. Of course, blending the likes of Black Metal and Punk isn’t new. TOXIC HOLOCAUST, SCUM and SHITFUCKER have all experimented with such angles. But, what set BLACK PESTILENCE apart are the subtle inclusions of Industrial, orchestration and Crossover. Sure, “Vicious Life”, “Toxic Underground” and “Engulfed by Sin” all harbor strong affinities towards a DIY attitude and “stick it to the Man” but other cuts like “Uprising”, for instance, offer something more. Here, the juxtaposition of darker hues is combined with grand cinematic flourishes that elevate the song to higher pastures! The keys also rear their “ugly heads” on “Serpentine Power” but they’re used sporadically and don’t take away from the overall potency of the song.
With a clear production that’s somewhat questionable for this style, “In Defiance” is a satisfying listen, especially if one is in the market for a “BELPHEGOR meets THE RAMONES”! Upon an initial spin, vocalist Valax comes across between the raspy vomit of Jeff Walker (era Heartwork) and MARDUK’s ex-vocalist, Legion, especially on album closer, “Greed For Greed”, yet another soulful number that charms the listener with a nice mid-way break of atmosphere and tremolo guitar picking.
If BLACK PESTILENCE continue down this path adding their own take to the already tread path of others, more and more people WILL take notice!
Standout Tracks: “Uprising”, “Serpentine Power”, “Greed For Greed”
8.5/10
Chris
