Review: Crawl - I: Serpents (Bloodsoaked 2015 MC)

 For some reason, my interest for Swedish death metal has slightly faded the last few years. Although both Vanhelgd and Miasmal delivered great releases last year, former favorites like Tribulation and Morbus Chron has stepped away from their roots (the aforementioned remains one of my current favorite bands though, even if they don't sound like they once did) and other bands aren't being as active as they used to. My own laziness is probably to blame as well, I haven't even listened to the latest offerings from Bombs Of Hades and Usurpress yet. Fuck, time to regain vision.

Anyway, the sound of the debut demo of Crawl from Kalmar definitely makes you feel excited about this whole genre again. The influences of good old Swedish death metal are definitely there, but they still manages to avoid sounding generic and boring. The vocal performance is absolutely killer, reminds me of Angelcorpse's Pete Helmkamp. It also alternates from deep grunts to more high screams sometimes, which makes you think of old Carcass.

Musically there isn't much to complain about, all songs are well written and captivating enough for you to not loose interest while listening. I do think there's room for development towards the more intense and violent direction though, and the production could have been a bit more rotten. But it's an enjoyable 3 track-tape, I'll definitely keep my eyes open for Crawl's upcoming releases. 6.5/10

Review: Kafka – 8 Track LP (D-takt & Råpunk 2015 LP)

 One of the first punk-albums I've purchased so far this year is this debut LP of Japan's Kafka. The A side consists of the tracks from their tape released last year. Some will might complain about that they've already heard those songs before, but I'm pretty sure they are re-recorded, and of course hearing them on black wax (or blue if you got the limited one...) is a completely different story. It sounds way better compared to the tape.

 When listening to the B-side, which offers some brand new songs, I get the feeling that they have stepped things up a bit. Can't put my finger on exactly what it is that makes the new songs stand out really, they just feel more straight to the point, focused, well targeted and simply better. If you're looking for some traditional Scandinavian hardcore done the Japanese way, look no further than Kafka! 7.5/10

偏執症者 (Paranoid) - Kaihou

Taken from the Satyagraha LP, to be released by D-takt & Råpunk & Konton Crasher.

The tape-edition will be released on Lockyard Records later this spring.

Review: Trial – Vessel (High Roller 2015 LP)

 To be honest, the earlier stuff I've heard by Trial hasn't really caught my interest. Sure, I don't remember it being bad in any way, just a bit anonymous, and they simply got lost in the huge amount of new bands playing traditional heavy metal. But when the press release and reviews of the new album Vessel claimed that this was something way superior to what they've done in the past I immediately got interested.

 And just precisely, Vessel is definitely a way more interesting album that indicates that this band has found their own identity. All seven songs feels very well written and thought through. The small tinges of black and doom metal here and there are doing so much for the overall impression and makes the album way more interesting. Unique influences and new thinking is what separates the leaders from the followers in this age of new bands worshiping the past.

 As one of Sweden's most praised heavy metal bands, In Solitude, just announced their split-up, there couldn't be a better time than now to symbolically embrace and welcome Trial up there with the very big names in Swedish heavy metal. 8/10

偏執症者 (Paranoid) - 2 Skott (Strebers-cover)

Review: Herzel – Unis Dans La Gloire (Impous Desecration 2015 MC)

 I just love those times when you're just aimlessly looking around for new music, and all of a sudden you come across something fantastic, seemingly from out of the vast nothingness. That was the case with Herzel for me, I ordered the tape when I was about 30 seconds into the first sample, and it has basically been on repeat since then.

 What we've got here is an intro and two epic heavy metal tunes inspired by bands like (early) Manowar, Warlord and Manilla Road. I also think it reminds a bit of the more epic songs on their countrymen Lust's classic We'll Never Die. What makes Herzel stand out though is that the lyrics are sung in their native language, French, which combined with the music turns out completely phenomenal. The songs captures your attention immediately, even though you can't understand a word (I actually studied French for a while, so I understand some words, but not enough to really understand the full meaning of the lyrics).

 Herzel has more or less from out of nowhere made their way up to the absolute top of the most interesting bands right now when it comes to epic metal. I want to hear more music from these guys as soon as possible! 8/10

Review: Tarot – The Warrior's Spell (Heavy Chains 2015 CD)

 One of the bands that during the past year made the biggest impression on me as well as many others was Australia's Tarot. Releasing no less than three EP's on tape (Life and Death, Dying Daze and The Watcher's Dream) of epic 70's-inspired proto-metal in the vein of old masters like Rainbow and Uriah Heep, they're simply one of the bands that will come to mind when looking back at 2014 in the future.

 Now these three EP's have been re-issued on this CD compilation, which I think was a brilliant idea. They flow together very well, I almost even imagined them all together as one album, even though they were released at different times. Also, the overall quality of all three EP's is so high that I can't say that one is better or weaker than any of the other ones.

 The CD also features 2 brand new tracks exclusive for this release, Street Lamps Calling and The Warrior's Spell, which indicates that they definitely maintain the high quality songwriting, and instantly leaves you wanting more. If you missed the tapes, that all sold out quite fast, there's no excuse to not get your hands on this CD. 

 Can't wait to find out what Tarot will have to offer in 2015! 9/10