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September 7, 2008 |
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01. Intro
02. Out Of The Abyss
03. Dark Transmission
04. Firebringer
05. The Sea Came In At Last
06. I Shall Prevail
07. The Zone
08. Insomnia
09. Apopheniac
10. Choices
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For over 18 years, Poland's VADER has been releasing straight-ahead, old-school death metal. An extensive recording schedule, which includes a new release almost every year or so, and an equally comprehensive touring schedule makes them one of metal's hardest working acts to this day. On their latest Metal Blade release, "The Beast", Vader once again refuse to conform or disappoint.
The production of this album is top-notch, A+, and suits the VADER sound very well. The balance between guitars and drums seems better than any previous VADER album I recall. Peter's vocals are appealing as they are much more clear and audible than "Blood", a great album which I feel suffered somewhat due to the vocal mix.
To call "The Beast" a riff-based album is an understatement, perhaps the understatement of the year. Peter (vocals, guitar) and Mauser (guitar) throw out riff after riff, song after song, very reminiscent of what some of those San Francisco based bands were offering in the mid-late 80s. *wink* Completing this extreme foursome with an equally intense rhythm section is Novy (bass) and Daray (drums).
Daray sat in on the skins for the injured Doc during recording...and what a fantastic job he's done. Chaotic drumming throughout, a few blast beats, lots of double-kick, and heavy cymbal work had me pretending to be a drummer on more than one occasion while enjoying this album.
The first album highlight is the doomy, almost sludge-like "Dark Transmission" whose relentless pounding and accompanying slow, heavy riffs trample your senses. The speedy fury of "Firebringer" has plenty of aggressive drum fills and some equally fast fretwork by Mauser. "I Shall Prevail" has a very impressive 4-part lead break shared by Peter and Mauser, which has a bit of an IRON MAIDEN feel to it. VADER tightens the screws on "Insomnia", three and a half minutes of pure rage, and undoubtedly the heaviest track on "The Beast".
Not ignoring any of the unmentioned songs, but "The Sea Came In At Last" stands out as something a little different for VADER, and for me, the standout track. Peter's vocals range from a soothing, almost clean, voice to his trademark bark and back again while the main riff will ring in your head for days.
With the recent acceptance of metal music on a whole, VADER may attract some new fans, partly due to the fact that the production makes Peter's lyrics very clear and understandable. Not being able to understand the lyrics seems to be the most common complaint I get when trying to introduce bands to prospective new fans. "I can't understand what he's saying...". Well, that is not the case with this album so sit down, shut up, and enjoy it!
After multiple listens, I decided that ten new VADER tracks aren't enough for me, and I was left wanting more. A bonus song would be nice...the VADER website indicates that there is at least one more song, "Stranger In The Mirror", however it is available ONLY on the Japanese release. Once again, the North Americans get burned. What is so special about Japan that they get the majority of the bonus tunes on their releases? Nobody has ever been able to explain this to me and to this day, it remains a mystery and a pet-peeve of mine. I guess I will have to order the Japanese Import version to quench my desire for more VADER.
Unfortunately the band has been forced to cancel their participation on the upcoming US tour (where they were to share the stage with NAPALM DEATH and CANNIBAL CORPSE) due to a spinal injury Peter suffered while touring in Scandinavia. This is the first tour the band has ever had to back out of during their career and they are hoping to tour on North American shores again as soon as possible. Personally, I can't wait! In the meantime, pick up "The Beast", tell some close friends to drop by, and sit back and enjoy what may be one of 2004's top metal releases.
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