Reign of the Bloodlust
Boltcrown
is yet another formation of those old school bands that rose together with a new
wave of well-known sounds. Created in 2013, they spat a debut recording one
year later, providing really promising throwback to the great times of
unhampered fury of the fresh ideas filling contemporary scene. It’s easy to
burst into ‘copycat’ bag, but in the case of “Reign of the Damned” such an
effect is impossible luckily. Yep, formal appearance is not the essence, just
like modestly released digipak. But it helps if the music kicks the balls,
right?
Front cover
painted by Guatemalan artist Mario Lopez may lead into error. It can say
everything and nothing about the metal genre to come. But the first seconds of
opening title song blow any doubts: heavy speed is infusing into my circulatory
system. While cerebrum is reached, the power of metal takes the heart by (bolt)
storm. All right, three songs on the table, rather fast tempo dominates, yet
the musicians know how to change it properly, attaining nutritive portion of
sounds. That’s true, the production side is without any signs of nowaday
modernity, with each element audible in the wall of tunes, and it is definitely
added value when the bass lines are concerned. The old spirit is alive in its
entirety, bringing some memories of old Exciter or first Iron Maiden’s debut
album: similar magic (yes!), the same impulsiveness, all mixed with Enforcer
touch supported by own Boltcrown’s conscious refreshment. Heavy metal will
never die! Exactly, and if the only my complaint refers to running time (14
minutes merely!), no second is lost or baseless. And the last piece “Lust for
Blood” is a real crowning achievement in short band’s career. This track is one
of the best new metal killer I have listened in 2015. Scorching rhythm section
invites with some portion of frantic riff resembling me Annihilator’s “Human
Insecticide”. The whole guitar layer differs a bit here, it doesn’t deliver
such melodies as compared to the two previous tracks maintained in rather speed
than heavy manner, although the main goal of Lust is to nail the senses down.
And it happens! Fantastic chants and vocal lines make me sing all day long.
Yes, vocals
are always the most neuralgic side of heavy band, especially when it bears upon
Polish crew. And I can assure you all that Kaz didn’t fail. His range is
between middle and high screams (very successful I must admit), as the vocal
cords with ease and smoothly generate the words, yet I have impression this is
not the end of his creativity. What else to complete the picture? Skillful
musicians, memorable not chaotic leads, headbanging flow. Yeah, “Reign of the
Damned” is a very fruitful despite of such a short time and me will never get
tired to listen to such bands. Future looks great as potential is visible. So
guys, it’s the highest time for a full-length, isn’t it?
80/100
-Tlacaxipehualiztli
(written in February, 2016)
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