I think one of the main keys to a successful band is consistency. When a band has a change in sound part way through their career it often deters many fans. I think that a gradual change or light change can work really well, for example Iron Maiden and Judas Priest haven’t been the same throughout their careers but the ethos has retained a similar metallic feel. Then looking to the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, AC/DC and so forth there has been very little to no change in sound throughout the years. It’s safe to say that the whispers of ‘if it isn’t broke don’t fix it’ often ring true. Naturally this can’t be said for each and every artist to have ever graced the earth, but still I like a bit of consistency.
Speaking of such matters comes the ever true to their craft Vader. A Polish Death metal tour de force whom found their inception way back in 1983. However, it wouldn’t be until a few years down the road that the band embraced their Death Metal sound that they have become known for. Again in 1992 the band dropped their debut full length, the much revered The Ultimate Incantation. It has since become a classic of the Death Metal genre and its successors have been ever strong. I first heard the band through the album Impressions In Blood and I must say I was pretty captivated, they’re a band whom I often mean to listen to more often yet fail. I did come across Tibi Et Igni in 2014, another strong release, but my interest in the band has seen me wave in and out of their discography. Now hoping that I’ll finally be set on track for obsession I come to review the bands sixteenth full length Solitude In Madness, put out through Nuclear Blast.
Massive rapid Thrash driven Death Metal riffs come storming out in the opening track Shock And Awe. The titanic drumming of James Stewart is also truly something to behold. Not to mention the signature rasping gutturals of frontman Peter. One thing that really took me by force when listening to the album was the song lengths, the longest song is just shy of four minutes. Each and every track is a nifty and snappy little Death Metal banger, perfect. Into Oblivion sees a little bit more melody and memorability in the guitars, as well as maniacal Slayer-like portions, indeed this punchy track is seeped in memorability and truly remarkable. Incineration Of The Gods brings together all of the aforementioned attributes in a perfect harmony, from the awesome drumming opening that reminds me in part of early Sepultura, to the memorable Thrash riffs this is a track that really showcases this album. This track along with Sanctification Denied really bring extra hooks to the album and really draw the listener in.
Crossing into the second half of the album Emptiness is really the next track to stand out, a stunning face melting guitar solo opens the track and makes way for some pretty old school Thrash ideals. This track has a less Death Metal feel to it than the rest of the album (save for the vocals) but it’s by no means out of place and indeed is a strong track. The album also boasts an Acid Drinkers cover of Dancing In The Slaughterhouse, and as far as covers go this fits the album really well. It’s by no means estranged from the rest of the release and actually slots in perfectly, this is exactly how covers should be delivered. Closing proceedings is Bones, the longest song on the album but still average length. It’s a powerful exit for this release and one that sees the band tread no new water but stick with a formula that packs a real punch even amid the hordes of Death Metal acts out there nowadays.
As I mentioned in my opening paragraph consistency is often key, such words in the case of Solitude In Madness ring true. Sticking to their guns Vader deliver another strong contender to their bolstered discography. I feel also that the band have achieved their means of making a firmer fan of myself. I really enjoyed the fact that this album wasted no time, no pumping intro tracks or pontificating interludes, no. This is a record of real Death Metal, and adding to that it is Death Metal which is enjoyable by fans new and old. I see this is a befitting album to begin ones journey into the guts of Vader. This is real, pure old school Death Metal delivered with striking production.
(8/10 George Caley)
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