Skeletonwitch - Serpents Unleashed

Just two years after their previous record, Skeletonwitch is already back with a new album. As much of a cardinal sin as this is to admit, I’ve never really paid much attention to Skeletonwitch. In fact, “Serpents Unleashed” marks the first full record of theirs that I’ve listened to, and it’s pretty much exactly what I expected. For the most part, the album is filled with scorching black metal vocals, thrashy riffs, and predictably clever melodies. The only major moment of variation is in the opening of the first track, “Serpents Unleashed”. This song begins with a punk-influenced drumbeat, not unlike what you’d expect from the new Toxic Holocaust record. It isn’t long, however, until Skeletonwitch returns with their signature sound.

This might come as a surprise to some, but to me, this sounds more like a melodic death metal record with black metal vocals than a thrash one. “Beneath Dead Leaves” is among the best examples (alongside "Unending, Everliving"); the melody is rampant in the song, yet it never truly delivers the aggression that a thrash band would. Even the guitar solo in this track is happy and upbeat, rather than erratic and out of control. There’s nothing wrong with this, of course, but it does more justice to Skeletonwitch’s sound to call them melodic death metal than thrash. Another reason why I like this term for the band is that they incorporate a wide variety of influences from extreme metal. As already mentioned, the vocals make no effort to deviate from the style pioneered by the Norwegian black metal bands. The drums take cue from all extreme metal genres, but primarily deliver persistent double bass, with the occasional blast beat section. Even the guitars use a wide variety of techniques; the thrash riffs that the band is known for obviously exist on “Serpents Unleashed”, but there are an overriding number of melodic tremolo picked riffs that would not be uncommon in some melodeath or even more atmospheric black metal. In fact, it is these distinctive moods that show Skeletonwitch at their best; they drive the music beyond providing exactly what you’d expect, and instead create moments of grandeur. 

Where I struggle with “Serpents Unleashed”, and Skeletonwitch in general is that it feels too commercial. I find it ironic that bands like Dragonforce are called out for pandering to the crowd when this is exactly what I feel Skeletonwitch does. It’s all so predictable. The “true” crowd loves black metal, and has somewhat of a negative affinity for newer thrash, but combining all of the elements that Skeletonwitch does makes for an extremely attractive package to that crowd. So while the band doesn’t necessarily offend with their music, they don’t do anything that sounds particularly authentic. This isn’t to say the guys aren’t passionate about their music, but it all seems very contrived to me. If you can get past this issue, however, “Serpents Unleashed” is a commendable release. It definitely has all of the elements of a solid record, and should please fans of the band.

Be sure to check out and like Skeletonwitch on Facebook!

Highlights

"Beneath Dead Leaves"

"Unending, Everliving"

Final Rating

3.6/5 or 72%. 

Written by Scott 

Durvasag - Element of Pain

Late last year, I reviewed the promo of the first EP by Durvasag, an up and coming blackened thrash band from Toronto. The verdict was that both songs were completely killer music with plenty of Venom inspiration. Luckily, both of these songs are back and form the six-song, 30-minute aural assault on the ears known as “Element of Pain”. I won’t spend too much time on these songs because I’ve already discussed them, but I will say that they are the strongest songs on this EP and really set the tone for the rest of the release.

The four songs that remain are fairly similar in style. They are primitive, raw, bursts of energy that take plenty of influence from Venom, Sarcofago, and the like. In particular, I found that the frenetic sounds of “Apocalypse” were most similar to early Sepultura and early Sodom. While the drums overpower the other instruments, the harsh riffs and vocals really bring back that old-school atmosphere. In fact, it is Mark Arruda’s vocals that impress me most. Sometimes he relies on simple thrash shouts, but more often he sounds vicious enough to tear out your spine. Arruda’s vocals are the definite highlight, but the other three musicians hold their own. The bass speaks up often enough (especially in the closer, “Demonic Entity”), and the drummer adds plenty of flair to keep things interest (including using plenty of ride cymbal). Speaking of “Demonic Entity”, it’s definitely the one moment here that I feel the band is a bit overambitious. There are great riffs aplenty, but the song is a bit too long for its own good. Still, it is a sign that they might expand past simple Venom worship one day (as enjoyable as that is).

This EP is a definite must-have for fans of black/thrash metal. Between “Sacrifice”, “Nuclear Winds”, and “Apocalypse”, you have some serious thrashing fury from a band that knows their influences well. The other tracks may be a bit weaker, but are still well worth hearing. From a young band, this is a promising release! 

Be sure to check out and like Durvasag on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/durvasagband?fref=ts

Highlights

"Sacrifice"

"Nuclear Winds"

"Apocalypse"

Final Rating

4.1/5 or 82%. 

Written by Scott 

Durvasag - EP Promo 2012

Durvasag are a relatively new three-piece black/thrash band hailing from Toronto. With their newest promo release, they prove that they have the potential to be one of the top thrash bands around. This particular release (which is downloadable from the band for free) contains two tracks, “Sacrifice” and “Nuclear Winds”. “Sacrifice” opens with some high quality (albeit, stereotypical) mid-paced thrash riffing, before erupting into a speedy blackened assault. The chorus slows things down a bit and is pure Venom worship. In fact, if you sped up Venom’s faster parts and made them a lot more intense, that would accurately describe Durvasag’s sound on this track. The band does add some other influences, however; there are some blastbeats present, as well as soloing that is fairly competent given the age of these band members. The vocals are a vicious shout (not unlike Tom Araya or Cronos) that, at times, evolves into more of a scream. The second song, “Nuclear Winds”, is an equally catchy song that is much more intense than “Sacrifice”. There is blasting aplenty, as well as some serious riffage. Both songs hold their own pretty well, but I would say "Sacrifice" is a bit more memorable than "Nuclear Winds".

The only real thing that holds back this release is the production. While all of the instruments can be heard, the mix doesn’t seem to be as clear as it could be. Given the style of music however (and the fact that this is only a sampling of their upcoming EP), it’s something that is pretty easy to live with. All fans of stripped down, raw, metal will love this release. Despite being quite young, Durvasag is a band that sounds like they’ve already found their sound and with this EP Promo, I’m definitely left wanting more! 

Be sure to check out and like Durvasag on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/durvasagband?fref=ts

This promo can be downloaded here:

http://durvasag.bandcamp.com/

Highlight

"Sacrifice"

Final Rating

4.2/5 or 84%. 

Written by Scott