Civil War – Gods And Generals

One of the more interesting events in recent metal history was the abrupt split of half of Sabaton in early 2012. When four members all leave a band at once, it is certainly cause for concern. Fortunately, Sabaton themselves recovered, but the other four members moved on to a new band called Civil War. Admittedly I couldn’t even quite keep up with these guys as I missed their first album that was released back in 2013, but just two years later, they put out another record. In hindsight, I wish I had not bothered with this album. It has a number of flaws that make it incredibly difficult to sit through.

The biggest problem with this album is singer Nils Patrik Johansson. I’m astounded that I’ve listened to as much power metal as I have without coming across him before, as he has had a successful career with Astral Doors, but I have no idea how. His voice is the most grating thing I’ve ever heard. It’s incredibly nasally, and does not sound good. The worst part is that he could be half-decent, as there’s a part in the opening song “War of the World” where he shows us what he’d sound like without plugging his nose when he sings. While he does hit the notes he needs to on this album, he sounds like he’s trying so hard to be a combination of Dio and Jorn that he ultimately ruins the record.

This may make it sound like the rest of the album is salvageable, but it’s really not that good. Most of the songs on this album are mid-tempo at best, lack any sort of interesting riff, and have no hooks. To be fair to Civil War, this isn’t all that different from Sabaton at times. Both bands can definitely get a little bit dependent on chugging. The only difference is that Sabaton is led by a unique, interesting, and charismatic singer who can carry the band no matter what else is happening.

To make matters worse, the band makes a number of questionable choices throughout the album. At this point I’m just nitpicking, but it’s been a while since I’ve heard a record that frustrated me so much. For one thing, at the end of “The Bay of Pigs”, Johansson keeps spitting out pigs, which sounds incredibly dull and uninspired (at least look to Overkill to see how this could be done better). Another example is the lyrics of “Admiral Over The Oceans”. Here’s a few lines from the song:

“He's the admiral over the oceans

The admiral over the sea

He's the admiral over the oceans

If you don't understand, read the history book”

In other words, if Civil War’s lyrical savvy is too confusing for you, bust out your textbooks to learn more. I’ve never heard a band sound like they’re actively trying to berate their listeners for their lack of knowledge about history (a subject which I feel Civil War is only singing about in an attempt to capture their old fanbase of Sabaton).

The only positive thing I can say about this album is that if you block out the vocals, the music is mediocre. Occasionally the band adds some double bass, which makes things a little bit more interesting (there’s a reason why so many power metal bands abuse this trope; it works!). Other than that, “Gods and Generals” really can’t offer anything that is worth buying. Skip this album and hold out for a new Sabaton record instead.

If you choose to brave the storm, be sure to check out and like Civil War on Facebook!

Highlights

None

Final Rating

2.5/5 or 50%. 

Written by Scott 

Unleash The Archers – Time Stands Still

Unleash The Archers is a power metal band from Canada’s West coast that infuses death metal elements into their sound. I’ve known about these guys for a lot time, but for some reason never checked them out until their newest album, “Time Stands Still” (even though I saw them in 2009). Evidently, that was a mistake because this album rages. The band is led by frontwoman Brittney Slayes, who has an incredible voice. Her singing has a ton of power, and she lets you know that with the opening scream of “Frozen Steel”, the first full-length track on the record. This track also displays her wicked range, as she hits some seriously high notes in the chorus.

Complementing Slayes’ singing is some much harsher growling. I’m of the opinion that mixing growling and clean singing is a dangerous proposition. For 90% of bands, it does work. Usually this is because either the growling sounds like metalcore screamers, or because the singing sounds like metalcore whining. Fortunately, Unleash The Archers fits into the 10% that does this well. As mentioned, Slayes is definitely an archetypical power metal singer, and the growling is likewise right in line with its death and black metal heritage. Unleash The Archers also makes extensive use of gang and backing vocals. Often times this is done to amp up the intensity of the music, but it is also done to make things even more epic, such as on the title track.

The band’s music typically stays in the power/heavy metal range. The guitar playing is both virtuosic and melodic, often times harmonizing for greater effect (best exemplified in the beginning of “Tonight We Ride”). Occasionally the group gets more experimental, such as on “Crypt”, which opens as a full-on death metal song, complete with blastbeats and riffs of pure evil. On the whole though, this album is most likely to appeal to power metal fans. The rhythm section gets the job done, as the drumming is up to par with any of the elite drumming out there, and the bass is easy to hear.

From a songwriting perspective, “Time Stands Still” does a great job maintaining the listener’s interest. Put simply, 55 minutes is too long for this style and this album, but the really good tracks are spread all throughout the album, meaning that there are few, if any, dull moments. Unfortunately the 9-minute song “Dreamcrusher” is really not all that special, and could easily be cut, as both “No More Heroes” and “Time Stands Still” surpass it in grandiosity. The best song on this record, however, is “Test Your Metal”. While the stereotypical metal track has been done by an uncountable number of bands before, it doesn’t matter so long as it’s good, and Unleash The Archers have made a fantastic metal anthem. This song is definitely the best display of Slayes’ vocal prowess, but it is also an excellent example of the band’s general sound and talent.

On the whole, “Time Stands Still” is an impressive record. This is definitely one band I was wrong about; I was incredibly concerned they’d be a boring modern metal band, and while there are certainly modernisms present on this record, it is ultimately a solid power metal album. As long as you still enjoy some fun in your metal, “Time Stands Still” is going to appeal to you.

Be sure to check out and like Unleash The Archers on Facebook!

Highlights

"Frozen Steel"

"Test Your Metal"

"No More Heroes"

"Time Stands Still"

Final Rating

4.4/5 or 88%. 

Written by Scott 

Deathhammer – Evil Power

“Evil Power” marks record number three for blackened thrashers Deathhammer. These guys come from Norway, where there is a somewhat quiet, but very solid thrash scene brewing. This album packs a quick punch with just 8 tracks spanning about 35 minutes, but rest assured, it does not let up at any point. Fans of very early Destruction, Kreator, and Sodom will love what Deathhammer offers up. The vocal performance on this record would be most akin to the Schmier, as there are plenty of ear-piercing screams. Alongside these screeching moments are a more visceral vocal approach, not unlike a band like Witchtrap. In fact, perhaps the best way to describe Deathhammer would be a faster and more aggressive version of Witchtrap.

Most of the riffs on this record take classic NWOBHM sounds, dial up the speed about 60-100 BPM, and make them slightly more evil. The result is an album that takes no prisoners with its savage compositions. There are however, some riffs that are somewhat similar to the galloping charges led by Destruction on their early records (see "Sinner's Possession" as one great example). Although the band is successful in creating a few memorable tunes, that is not what “Evil Power” is about. Fortunately, the band makes up for this by delivering an uncompromising record. In addition to the endless number of great riffs, Deathhammer has some truly wicked lead guitar playing. Straddling the line between something more melodic and Slayer-styled solos, the shredding on this record could not be more fitting.

Highlights on this record include “Total Metal” and “Satan Is Back” (although as a friend pointed out to me, this track raises the question, where did Satan go?). There isn’t really any reason why these tracks stand above the rest of the crowd, as any of these songs could click with you immediately; these are just the two that work best for me. For all intents and purposes, the songs on this album are very similar. Even the closer, which is the longest song by about a minute, is no real different from the songs that only span 3 minutes. This makes “Evil Power” is an incredibly consistent release, and one that will be fun to listen to from start to finish every time!

Be sure to check out and like Deathhammer on Facebook!

Highlights

"Total Metal"

"Satan Is Back"

Final Rating

3.75/5 or 75%. 

Written by Scott 

Hibria – Hibria

 

Few bands have ever released an album that shook the metal underground with the magnitude that Hibria’s debut album, “Defying The Rules” did. It was an incredible effort filled with blazing riffs, virtuosic solos (not just limited to guitars), and incredible vocals. As the band has put out more albums, they’ve slowly drifted away from that sound, to the point where the band’s newest effort, “Hibria”, bears only some resemblance to the Hibria of old. To be fair, it’s clear that this is the same band; it’s just that they’ve moved on to a different sound while still incorporating elements of their old style.

The good news is that this album features some unbelievable performances from all band members. Though they are fewer and further between, most songs still have a good amount of shred (check out the bass-work in “Abyss” for one great example). In tracks like “Pain” and “Ashamed”, they add to their guitar-based sound by throwing in some horns (you might even mistake these songs for a Chicago cover at times). Aside from this difference, the band in general just has a different tone. Though the music can still be very aggressive, they no longer sound like a young band that is sending all guns blazing in an effort to out-shred everyone else. Instead, they’ve refined some of these songs to include things that are a little bit out of the ordinary for their sound. Even a song like “Tightrope” (one of my favourites), is not inherently different from Hibria’s past; it has galloping guitars and plenty of riffs, but the band lays off a little bit in an attempt to create something a little catchier, and perhaps even more accessible. On the other hand, a song like “Church” is old-school Hibria, and would feel right at home on “The Skull Collectors”.

It's also worth pointing out that the band has not sacrificed any heaviness. "Life" is a stellar instance where Hibria manages to be heavier than they ever have in the past, despite the fact that they've slowed down a bit. Likewise, many of these songs will include intense rhythm work that might even feel a little bit out of place at times, but it is that same guitar playing that will remind you of the band's past. The other consistent element is Iuri Sanson's singing. He is without a doubt one of the most unique and best voices in metal, and he sounds just as good on the band's self-titled record as he has on any of their other material.

“Hibria” is a record that you have to go into with an open mind. It is not “Defying The Rules Part II”, nor do I suspect the band will ever make an album like that again. It is however, an album that takes many of Hibria’s best elements and applies them in a different way. It’s fair to say that a lot of people (myself included) would prefer they stuck with straight-ahead speed metal, but this outcome isn’t all that bad. In fact, it definitely separates Hibria from the legions of bands that can only offer up flashy guitar solos. The more I listen to this album, the more I like it, and considering how much Hibria has changed, it's a testament to their growth as songwriters.

Be sure to check out and like Hibria on Facebook!

Highlights

"Tightrope"

"Life"

"Church"

Final Rating

4.2/5 or 84%. 

Written by Scott