Pagan Black Metal band Theudho have been busy lately – they’ve been writing and recording a new album and Jurgen has provided lyrics to the latest Gorath album (he also featured as a guest vocalist on the track “Le Porteur de Lumière”). So, it was a huge surprise when I spotted that they’d also released a free-to-download EP in the run up to the album’s release. If the idea was to whet our appetites, then this little beastie certainly does the trick.
The EP opens with “War into the World” which is fast becoming my favourite Theudho track of all time. The band seem to go from strength to strength on each album (and EP) release and this track is a prime example of this. Its melodies will haunt your brain long after you’ve finished listening to it. It truly is an astounding track.
Things are followed up with a re-recorded version of “Terror Cimbricus” – a track we first heard on “Cult of Wuotan”, but one that still sounds equally good here. In fact, it compliments the new track perfectly.
Then it’s time for a couple of cover versions – “The Raven Flies North” (originally by Vort) and “For All Those Who Died” (originally by Bathory). Since I’m not familiar with Vort or their work, I have no idea how “The Raven Flies North” compares to it. I will say, however, that it sounds superb and has given me more than a decent reason to see if I can find out more about Vort. The Bathory cover is performed fantastically well, and Theudho have managed to make it their own.
While this doesn’t necessarily feel like a ‘complete’ release (as it only has one new track, a re-recorded track and two covers), it is a worthy addition to your collection (and it’s free, you can’t say fairer than that). Plus, it gives us a little sneak peak into what’s to come. Now that I’ve heard the track “War Into The World”, I’m more than a bit excited about the forthcoming album. I now have very high expectations for it… but, I’m not worried, I’m sure the band can deliver – they haven’t let me down yet!
Rating: 96% (this is largely down to the title track – I’m obsessed with it!)
theudho.com
facebook.com/pages/Theudho/116739051695303
reverbnation.com/theudho
last.fm/music/Theudho
I’ve read Krampus’ name in various places over the past few months, so the band are certainly generating a buzz for themselves. I decided to have a listen to one of the band’s EPs to see what all the fuss was about.
According to folklore, Krampus is a naughty being that acts as the Anti-Santa in some literature (or, at least, that’s what a quick search on Wikipedia tells me). I’m not sure how the band compare to their namesake as there are no overtly Christmassy overtones to their music and I don’t get the feeling that they’re going to punish me for misbehaving. Instead, Krampus play folk metal – and they play it well.
On this EP, Krampus have given us a very interesting and entertaining listening experience. I can count at least three different vocal styles here – ranging from the extreme to the clean, sing-along variety. This really helps to further define the band’s sound and to separate them from any folk metal bands that have gone before.
There’s something ridiculously addictive about opener “Kronos’ Heritage”. It takes you on a journey through different tempos, a range of instrumentation and a fantastic combination of vocals (as mentioned before). There’s something epic and ‘heroic’ about the whole thing. I really feel like I should be brandishing a sword in triumph or something.
“Aftermath” has a more ‘in your face’ quality about it. Again, I feel the urge to wave a sword in the air… but, to be fair, I would like to wave a sword in the air on most days – Krampus are just providing a fantastic soundtrack to do it to. “Aftermath” is as catchy and addictive as the previous track and I can imagine it would go down a storm live. Krampus for Bloodstock 2012? It’s a beautiful thing.
For me, “My Siege”, feels like the weakest track here. That’s not because it’s bad – it’s mainly because the first two tracks are just so damn good. “My Siege” does, however, manage to get my foot tapping… and it does leave me with the urge to run through the streets with a sword. One of these days I’m going to put this plan into action and find myself having a chat with the local police. Maybe I should buy a plastic sword? (Although, I manage to cause enough damage to myself with a sheet of paper, I wouldn’t like to think what I could accomplish with a plastic sword.)
Overall, this is an amazing EP. Awe-inspiring in places and just damn enjoyable from beginning to end. It’s uplifting and well-written – what more could you possibly ask for?
Rating: 95%
Death Metal legends Unleashed have announced that they are currently working on a new album. This news was released via their official website and mailing list. The message can be seen below:
Warriors!!!
Unleashed are currently in the studio for the recording of the 11th full length album. You can expect a release date in the Spring of 2012.
Hail Odin!Johnny & The boys
Unleashed was formed in Stockholm, Sweden in November 1989, and sprang from the ashes of the pioneer Death Metal band Nihilist.
Unleashed, along with a few more, bands founded what is today called the Swedish Death Metal scene. There has been very few lineup changes throughout the years and today the band consists of:
Johnny – Bass and Vocals
Fredrik – Lead guitar
Anders – Drums
Tomas – Rhythm guitar.
Arizona thrashers HEMOPTYSIS have released a music video for the track “M.O.D.,” taken from their latest album Misanthropic Slaughter. The video was shot earlier this month in an abandon warehouse in Vail, AZ. Production and direction came courtesy of Sean Sinerius and Robert Jaime at Big Shot Studios. Check out the video below:
HEMOPTYSIS guitarist/vocalist Masaki Murashita made this statement about the video:
“We are very excited to release the video for “M.O.D.” We shot the video in Vail, Arizona with Big Shot Studios, the same company that filmed “Shadow of Death.” We had a blast shooting this video and we hope our fans enjoy it.”
In other HEMOPTYSIS news, the band has announced the following live dates:
Saturday, November 5th @ Chasers in Scottsdale, AZ
Saturday, November 12th at Boomers in Las Vegas, NV
Check out some HEMOPTYSIS tracks below:
