This demo / EP / mini album (whatever you want to call it!) is my first taster of Northern Plague and, once I’ve picked my jaw up off the floor, I’ll tell you about it.
I think that the easiest way to describe Northern Plague is that they are like a thrashier version of Behemoth. That’s the easiest way to describe them, but not entirely accurate. They’re not a carbon copy of any band that I can think of – they have their own sound. There’s a bit of Black Metal in here, some Death Metal and a hearty dose of Thrash. We’re treated to killer guitar solos on more than one occasion and the rhythm section will break your neck. The harsh and primitive sounding vocals make me wish I could growl (sadly I cannot… I really need to practice!).
The production is top notch and even the actual packaging is impressive, but the thing that has impressed me the most from this release is Northern Plague’s ability to write a song. They’re not content with straight up brutality or blistering solos – instead they seem to be focused on making the most of each track. This works massively to their advantage as each track is insanely memorable and they all have that addictive factor that makes me want to listen to them again and again.
Give these guys a listen NOW! It’s hard to judge on just five tracks (and one of them is an intro), but I really do think that these guys have the ability to become your new favourite band.
Rating: 92%
Behemoth has wrapped up their first string of shows following Nergal’s recovery leukemia, which he was diagnosed with last year. The band had been looking forward to rehearsing and playing live again for some time, and the forced break sees a re-invigorated and hungry Behemoth, which makes them even more dangerous than before.
Nergal comments:
“The word became flesh. We are back and we’re back for good. Seven shows across Poland was a much needed morale boost for our camp. We have proven to ourselves that we can come back in an even more splendorous way than ever before! All the concerts turned out better than expected, most of venues were sold out and, despite my throat infection, we managed to pulled off the last three shows in Warsaw, Torun and Lodz. I’m back home and I’m recovering now…and I’m happy. Simple as that.
Behemoth would love to hail all the fans that made this tour so great! Our friends: Mystic Production, Witching Hour Prod., Przemek, Kapral, Piotr, Adam, Mr. Groszek, Lubawa, Bartek Was, Piro… your dedication and professionalism can’t be underrated! I’d like to thank Blindead and Morowe for keeping the variety and quality on the bill. Great people, great bands!
Also, we’d like to show our utmost respect to the rectors of Universities (who own few of the venues we played) who decided to let the shows happen under the strong pressure from religious groups that were trying to ban and cancel the tour. We always love to see when intelligence wins over superstition and stagnation. Hail Freedom!
Now we are taking some time off before striking back on the stages of Poland (Krakow, Rzeszow and Szczecin) in January and Europe (co-headlining tour with Cannibal Corpse) early next year! Soon we’re gonna reveal super exciting news about Spring American tour! We are taking the world by storm again! Just watch!”
Fans can check out the gallery of pictures from the tour at this link: kotylak.pl
A review of the Warsaw show is available on metalrecusants.com
The Pagan invasion is upon us, as Viking metallers Nothgard sweep across the sea to raid London Upstairs at The Garage on October 30th, supporting their superb “Warhorns of Midgard” album. Ably assisted by carefully selected UK and Irish brothers in arms, this tour will show that real Viking metal is all about the music, not about the waving of plastic swords to formulaic musical tedium. Valhalla awaits!
Nothgard – myspace.com/nothgard
Ravenage – myspace.com/officialravenag
Windrider – myspace.com/windridermetal
Celtachor – myspace.com/celtachor
Infernal Creation – myspace.com/infernalcreation
Tickets £10 adv. from Ticketweb and HMV Tickets.
Further information: arcaneproductions.co.uk
