Welcome to the Audial Bleeding or Reviews page. This page features reviews from some of the undergrounds best bands. Reviews by
K.N, Nkro, and Sargon the Terrible. If you would like your demo or release reviewed, please go to our contact us page and fill out the
form provided or contact K.N. at vftu@nhr-records.com
K.N, Nkro, and Sargon the Terrible. If you would like your demo or release reviewed, please go to our contact us page and fill out the
form provided or contact K.N. at vftu@nhr-records.com
| K |
RELEASE: Kvelertak - Kvelertak
LABEL: Indie Recordings
GENRE: Metal
RATING: 9.5/10
REVIEW BY: K.N.
LABEL: Indie Recordings
GENRE: Metal
RATING: 9.5/10
REVIEW BY: K.N.
Every now and then a release comes out of nowhere and totally changes how I view music. ‘Reign in Blood’
did it, ‘Altars of Madness’ did it, ‘Take as Needed for Pain, did it as well. Now Kvelertak has managed the same
with their debut platter. I know, the guys who want to be underground cool are whining about this album as
it’s mallcore or whatever but seriously, to dismiss this album as anything like that is a great disservice to the
band, to this album, and to any potential listeners who may get turned off by the ramblings of internet idiots.
Now on to the album and what actually matters: the music.
What Kvelertak has managed here is to amalgamate a variety of sounds and styles and mold it into something
very fresh and unique. The obvious influence of Black Metal generally runs the proceedings but equally as
relevant to their sound is a Turbonegro-like Punk Rock groove and a generally Rock sensibility that helps drive
the album through it’s 48+ minute duration. Toss in the occasional 70’s riff and Pelican style atmospheric
interlude and you have the basis of what makes up the Kvelertak sound. As the lyrics are entirely in
Norwegian I can’t comment on the subject matter but the vocals also deserve mention. Generally the vocals
snarl along in a Black Metal meets hardcore hybrid. Trust me, it’s not as bad as that sounds. Most of the time
they screech along as expected but from time to time I swear I hear a bit of hardcore ala Cancer Bats
creeping into Erland’s vocal work but it isn’t pervasive or forced and generally adds to the dynamic. Also the
back-up vocals are awesome as all hell. Check out ‘Ordsmedar av Rang’ for reference. Awesome. The playing
is tight and the warm and natural recording courtesy of Kurt Ballou of Converge infamy adds to the
uniqueness of the package. I’d mention the artwork and packaging but really, who gives a shit about who
drew the cover. Not me anyways.
Basically this album has ruined my life. I haven’t been able to listen to anything else for the last week except
this and if you don’t see this on or near the top of my years end list then it either means I’m dead or that
the second half of 2010 will be the best half year in Metal history. Moral of the review; don’t listen to Black
Metal kids who pretend to be grim while surfing the ‘net in their parent’s basements. Listen to me, a grumpy
old grim prick that’s surfing the ‘net in his own basement while telling you all that this album is a firm 9.5/10.
did it, ‘Altars of Madness’ did it, ‘Take as Needed for Pain, did it as well. Now Kvelertak has managed the same
with their debut platter. I know, the guys who want to be underground cool are whining about this album as
it’s mallcore or whatever but seriously, to dismiss this album as anything like that is a great disservice to the
band, to this album, and to any potential listeners who may get turned off by the ramblings of internet idiots.
Now on to the album and what actually matters: the music.
What Kvelertak has managed here is to amalgamate a variety of sounds and styles and mold it into something
very fresh and unique. The obvious influence of Black Metal generally runs the proceedings but equally as
relevant to their sound is a Turbonegro-like Punk Rock groove and a generally Rock sensibility that helps drive
the album through it’s 48+ minute duration. Toss in the occasional 70’s riff and Pelican style atmospheric
interlude and you have the basis of what makes up the Kvelertak sound. As the lyrics are entirely in
Norwegian I can’t comment on the subject matter but the vocals also deserve mention. Generally the vocals
snarl along in a Black Metal meets hardcore hybrid. Trust me, it’s not as bad as that sounds. Most of the time
they screech along as expected but from time to time I swear I hear a bit of hardcore ala Cancer Bats
creeping into Erland’s vocal work but it isn’t pervasive or forced and generally adds to the dynamic. Also the
back-up vocals are awesome as all hell. Check out ‘Ordsmedar av Rang’ for reference. Awesome. The playing
is tight and the warm and natural recording courtesy of Kurt Ballou of Converge infamy adds to the
uniqueness of the package. I’d mention the artwork and packaging but really, who gives a shit about who
drew the cover. Not me anyways.
Basically this album has ruined my life. I haven’t been able to listen to anything else for the last week except
this and if you don’t see this on or near the top of my years end list then it either means I’m dead or that
the second half of 2010 will be the best half year in Metal history. Moral of the review; don’t listen to Black
Metal kids who pretend to be grim while surfing the ‘net in their parent’s basements. Listen to me, a grumpy
old grim prick that’s surfing the ‘net in his own basement while telling you all that this album is a firm 9.5/10.
I went into this expecting nothing and that’s exactly what I got. Korn apparently grew tired of their
mainstream Nu-Pop sound (and dwindling sales no doubt) and decided to get back with Ross Robinson who
helped them create the Nu-Metal genre that plagued everyone with ears for the better part of a decade.
Well the singer is whining again, the guitars are dirty and muddy, and the bass sounds like an elastic band
being stretched over a garbage can so I guess it is just like the old days again. Too bad for Korn that
everyone outgrew this shite around 10 years ago and too bad for us that they haven’t got the message yet
and keep trying.
Dear Korn,
You have passed your prime and you are a mockery of your former self (which was shit in itself). Please
pack it in and/or die. Thank-you.
P.S – Please pass this note on to Dimmu Borgir when you guys do your tour.
Signed,
Everyone on Earth with Hearing
1/10 for persisting in the face of consumer apathy/hatred.
mainstream Nu-Pop sound (and dwindling sales no doubt) and decided to get back with Ross Robinson who
helped them create the Nu-Metal genre that plagued everyone with ears for the better part of a decade.
Well the singer is whining again, the guitars are dirty and muddy, and the bass sounds like an elastic band
being stretched over a garbage can so I guess it is just like the old days again. Too bad for Korn that
everyone outgrew this shite around 10 years ago and too bad for us that they haven’t got the message yet
and keep trying.
Dear Korn,
You have passed your prime and you are a mockery of your former self (which was shit in itself). Please
pack it in and/or die. Thank-you.
P.S – Please pass this note on to Dimmu Borgir when you guys do your tour.
Signed,
Everyone on Earth with Hearing
1/10 for persisting in the face of consumer apathy/hatred.
RELEASE: Korn III - Remember
Who You Are
LABEL: Roadrunner Records
GENRE: Gay Metal
RATING: 1/10
REVIEW BY: K.N.
Who You Are
LABEL: Roadrunner Records
GENRE: Gay Metal
RATING: 1/10
REVIEW BY: K.N.