Apparently this label is “responsible for underground alternative releases” although they appear to be few and far between. Judging by the presentation of this EP which turned up with a release date of the 22nd December, Tunnelgeur Records put a lot of care into their products which is especially nice in this digital age. Pulling it out the package I was greeted by some eye-catching artwork on this fold out digipack complete with lyrics and plenty of information. Thankfully the music that quickly spilled out the speakers shortly after matched the aesthetic values of the presentation.

Insurrection are a quartet from Holland and have previously released a couple of other EP’s along with an album Circles Of Despair back in 2019. Apparently they have supported a whole host of big named bands and played 110 shows in Europe to date with the likes of everyone from King Diamond, to Cradle Of Filth, Suffocation and Hypocrisy. Not bad going at all. Musically, although under 20-minutes in length this EP is easy to get to grips with and the simple modus operandi is that Insurrection play tried and tested melodic death metal sounding like it has escaped straight out of Gothenburg.

‘Hopeless World Beyond’ weaves in and has some chugging and chunky bass grooves whilst the vocalist snarls and rasps over the top. Melodicism is strong and instrumentally it reminds a fair bit of Dark Tranquillity which in my book certainly endears me to things and gets my head a banging as the drums thump along. I was taken aback as the vocals leap up several octaves into some particularly high ranged screams, guess those dates with King D paid off. Many a band would have no doubt gone for some clean parts to diversify things; not here, the band seem intent on keeping things real. ‘The End Of Honesty’ romps off and gallops away with some serious Arch Enemy about the melodicism and some cool snaking guitar riffs making it a compulsive listen. Those higher vocal squeals really do get your attention here but if they prove a little bit on the shrill side the next track ‘In Terram Extorres’ allows you to focus on the prowess of the players. It’s an instrumental affair and has a real dystopian feel through the keyboards and some sampled spoken parts. Full of hooks it showcases some fluid playing and leads neatly into the bracing last number ‘Crimson Skies’ a short, sharp and bracing song which should appeal to fans of At The Gates and judging by the somewhat barmy barnyard video below, chickens as well! Insurrection, better than your average bunch of Xmas turkeys!

(7.5/10 Pete Woods)

https://www.facebook.com/Insurrectionofficial

https://insurrectionofficial.bandcamp.com/album/exiled-to-earth