Once I managed to determine the band logo, which even with a degree in BM logography was a humdinger, I was slightly confused as I would normally have associated the name Avenger with some sort of NWOBHM band. I would not have been wrong either as such a band from Newcastle exists. This however is not them and they have not suddenly decided to start playing ‘Bohemian Dark Metal.’ This Avenger actually come from the Czech Republic and they formed in 1994 and have released quite a few demos, a live album, compilation and DVD as well as three previous studio albums. I should have come across them before really, especially when I look at the cast list and see that members of the band have played with all sorts of other luminaries including Master’s Hammer, Panychida and a host of lesser known ones. Hell, multi instrumentalist Honza Kapák has played with everyone from Judas Iscariot to Krieg via Maniac Butcher and Nargaroth and there is also a guest appearance on the album by Blackie from Root.

With this in mind it should be good and make no mistake it is and the first impression I had on pressing play was what a powerful punch the production had behind it. Everything about this is up front and in your face from the jangling bass and intro screams on Vítej Zpátky and beyond, when the band fully get behind it all and fire in with all guns blazing. It is however perhaps not the friendliest of albums if you do not speak the native lingo although the CD booklet does kindly translate the lyrics for those that want to delve into them. With the first track acting as a decree or summoning to dark forces second track (and I am reverting to English titles) ‘Falsehead and Apathy’ steams in on a welter of crushing drums. It has a real feudal and indeed very dark vibe about it as though hell has been unleashed, there is at odds with the title little in the way of apathy about it. There is a real Eastern European feel that goes beyond the language and this bristles with a fervour about it with some lush acoustic breaks that summon a natursitic feel to cold misty and harsh climates.

Black metal needs that all important atmosphere about it to make it work properly it cannot in my opinion be all about beating the listener into submission (although there are sometimes exceptions to the rule). Avenger get the balance just right, there is plenty of drive about what they are doing, indeed at times it romps away with a punishing mindset but there is also an underlying majesty about the triumphant zeal of numbers such as ‘Soul Surgery.’ The booming orchestral timpani bombast certainly helps hammer it all home too. The full blooded and rasping vocals are excellent and even the odd death belch is foully committed to proceedings, reaching a pinnacle on ‘Living, Dying’ though they are nothing short of breathtaking.. However there is plenty of emphasis on the musicianship which is expertly handled and allowed to shine through in its on right on the all too brief galloping instrumental bridge ‘Of This Blood.’

I really took one look at the cover of this album and was expecting to be going through the motions of listening to it and putting thoughts down but Avenger have really surprised me delivering a hefty and solid album and one that does not have me making comparisons to lots of other bands. In fact I really feel like I have been missing out on their extensive back catalogue and shall be keeping my eyes peeled for their brand of ‘Dark Metal’ in the future.

(7.5/10 Pete Woods)

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