Nekromantheon-Rise, Vulcan Spectre

When Norway is brought to mind in terms of metal, most people instantly think of one thing: Black metal. But it's a good thing that I had encountered a few more Norwegian thrash acts before this one. Bands like Deathhammer, Harm and old schoolers Equinox were some unique thrash acts which I found bloody decent. But when Nekromantheon released their crushing sophomore effort upon earth, I was completely blown away with the evil, sordid style with the Slayer-esque guitar riffing and all that. Forget black metal, forget the aformentioned thrash acts and listen to this. I would have never thought that some of the best thras of the year would come from Norway, especially since Norway is known only for its relentless worshippers of Satan.

Nekromantheon venture into some black metal territory, but only slightly since the influence isn't too clear. The evil, venomous sound comes from the black metal influence, borrowed by Nekromantheons forefathers. But besides that, the album is pure raw, old school and aggressive thrash mayhem. There is a brand of Slayer-esque riffage which perfectly corresponds to the evil sound of the album. And in addition to that there is a number of wonderful solos, produced with a dirty sound, both melodic and forlorn. The riffage on the album almost feels as if it has its own distinct sound with the multiple usage of thrills, tremolo assaults along with crushing chords and an overall complexity achieved with the dark atmosphere and barking vocals. The violent attitude of the album is a direct reminiscent of brutal old school thrash acts such as Sepultura, Morbid Saint, Demolition Hammer, Kreator, gnawing the listeners ears with relentless ferocity. When the base sructure of the riffs is examined, it is obvious that the riffs aren't anyhting extravagent or complex by any means, but simply sound incedibly hardened and crushing even on more melodious sections.

The is a great classic thrash vibe that may take the listener to the early 80's. Some sections sound like more straightforward speed/thrash, a bit like fellow countrymen Deathhammer who have obtained the same headbangable sound with their praised debut. However thealbum rarely tends to take such forms, as the main formula of the album is the crushing thrash attack along the immoral tinge of black metal. Of course most of the bands overall effectiveness comes from the vocals. The vocals are barking furious all the time and also have some evilness in them thanks to the echoing sound that adds a nice spice to the music. Unlike many bands the vocals never succumb to the mighty power of the riffs simply flows alongside them as if it was cast down into a void. The tremendously crushing effort that is put into the music never ceases, containing packs of energy that last until the very end, allowing the riffs to formidably pursue the listener and get the him/her into an instant orgy of headbanging menace.

So once again, Norway fails to fail. Nekromantheons ''Rise, Vulcan Spectre'', will be a much praised album in near time, once it hopefully gains the recognition that it requires. Nothing more can be said about this album, but the facts that it's one truely crushing and vile album that may hopefully bring more waves of thrash bands upon Norway, so that thrashers can celebrate the rise of a new scene and a new band. The album may not be too close to perfect, but the sordid sound, dark atmosphere and vicious attitude allows it to raise the flag for Norwegian thrash acts, and thus having the authority to lead Norways new wave of thrash metal onto battle, to batter our ear drums.

Highlights:
Rise, Vulcan Spectre
The Usurper Command
Cast Down Into The Void

Rating: 90%

Deathhammer-Onward To The Pits

While their debut remains as just another example of simplistic retro-thrash metal, Deathhammers sophomore album is a crushing monster that certainly runs in front line for the best thrash albums of the year. Deathhammer have achieved maturity and have produced a straightforward album with an evil feel to it. No bullshit, just vengeful thrash attacks played in really aggressive way. I can't say that this is the most old school sounding thrash album out there, but I am not at all complaining about that. Deathhammer have succesfully managed to eject a healthy dose of evil (a black metal edge), to their vocals and produced a prime thrash record.


As much as this record is vicious, it is also a great blend of old school speed, thrash and black metal, creating something that is fairly unique and quite energetic. This in many ways is similar to early Sodom and Kreator. The songs are fun yet totally outrageous and that alone is a factor that can pull the listener into the music. The riffs are thunderous and rapidly progress along with frequent blast beats that allow the songs to flow viscously and with ease. Deathhammer have managed to sound evil and catchy at the same time, much like recent black/heavy metaller ''Midnight'', only perhaps a little faster and thrashier. Deathhammer was able to put together a few things which quite doesen't ryme together, but despite that this record is a frantic assault of razor sharp riffage, simple yet effective and also equally old-school and evil sounding.

The cathiness of the music comes from the bluesy riffs and funky solo attitude. The tremolo-chord hybrid riffs along with the sinister black-esque vocals sum up to create a fast-paced mash up of notes and a barrage of pounding drum beats. The riffs are almost always furiuos and malevolantly fast, witha more heavy metal feel to it rather than thrash really. The song ''Emperor of Sin'' shows something quite the opposite though. It is not as straightforward or fun as the the other tracks and follow a more darkened tone in general. There are even certain doomy sections in the album to create a whole different atmosphere than the standard neck-spilitting vicious speed metal one. In this track the black metal edge of the album takes over and totally engulfs the album within a black cloak of a more complex and evil sound. The album worships well-known proto black metal acts such as Venom, Bathory and early Sodom. Though perhaps not as sordid of hefty in terms of riffage, the record has a high resemblance of the aformentioned lengends.

The vocals on this album are slightly muffled and can reach very high notes quite easily. The high-pitched and black metal influenced vocals delivery is a great spice to add to the mixture because it helps sustain a large amount of energy whenever the instrumental section starts to get repetetive, which by the way scarcely happens. The only noticible black metal influence is perhaps the vocals, because besides them, the album is pretty much plain, fast and fierce speed metal. Now the preoduction is also a nice touch, as it has a sort of old school vibe, though still managing to sound clean and audiable. The intro riff on ''Army of Death'' is like direct Venom riff because it has so much old school in it. The whole album in general may seem repetetive and similar as it progresses, but surprisingly it is able hold the level of dynamicism at a very high level. A level high enough to make a metalhead bang his head for nearly forty minutes.

At the end, I was very pleased with the results I had: Speed, evil and cathiness all in one cup, blended in a succesful way. If Deathhammer keeps this up, they might aswel get better and better with each record. While many bands sound brutally monstrous, they fail to achieve what Deathhammer have achived-fast paced music that vener ceases to entertain you. ''Onward To The Pits'' is fun, frenzied and also a great old-school speed/thrash hybrid with some unexpected influences thrown in aswel. If you dig Sodom, Midnight, Bathory, Venom, Kreator or Insinnerator then this is your thing.

Highlights:
Fullmoon Sorcery
Voodoo Rites
Emperor Of Sin
Seduced By The Flames

Rating: 89%

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