sexta-feira, 17 de dezembro de 2021

O metal além das capas de discos e músicas

 

Como é possível aprofundar-se no tema em relação a sociedade, até mesmo no metal extremo



Ao falarmos de rock existem vários assuntos que podem se ramificar a partir do tema, e em muitos casos eles vem de encontro com a sociedade, seja usando ela em seus exemplos ou criando algo que colabore com o estudo da vida em grupos. O black metal, não só como gênero musical, por exemplo, mas como estilo, a história e os pensamentos das pessoas envolvidas, pode ser usado como estudo científico ao abordarmos, em campos que possibilitem e apresentem ferramentas necessárias para análise, todo o mundo que envolve um dos gêneros musicais mais extremos e conhecidos.

Inúmeros registros já tiveram esse olhar ao tentar explicar acontecimentos como os ocorridos na Noruega dos anos 90, onde tivemos o surgimento do True Norwegian Black Metal, como os documentários Until The Light Takes Us e Satan Rir Media (Satan Rides The Media), assim como o livro Lords of Chaos. Destaquei esses três pois foram os objetos de estudo que pude utilizar para montar um artigo para a faculdade, analisando como jornalista, o surgimento do estilo e como a mídia reagiu aos acontecimentos como assassinatos e queimas de igrejas.

Aos que não são familiares com os produtos citados, os documentários abordam a música além das capas e guitarras estridentes, mostrando como a mídia criou uma cena satânica que muitas vezes não existia, e com esse destaque, muitas vezes sensacionalistas, acabou influenciando as pessoas a cometerem crimes relacionados a cena. Há também uma abordagem mais artística do tema, principalmente em Until The Light… que conta a história, a ideologia e a estética do black metal norueguês, sendo um dos únicos a realmente lançar uma luz sobre um movimento que até então foi envolto em trevas e rumores e obscurecido por representações imprecisas e superficiais. Apresentando entrevistas exclusivas com os músicos, uma riqueza de imagens raras dos primeiros dias do Inner Circle, o filme explora todos os aspectos do movimento. Ele utiliza bem os recursos para mostrar a visão das pessoas que fizeram, que vivem e respiram a arte do black metal, mostrando, em um certo momento, uma apresentação um tanto quanto bizarra do músico Kjetil “Frost” Haraldstad, que em um espaço rodeado de velas faz uma performance forte, se cortando e soltando gritos.

Em ambos os filmes, assim como no livro, Varg Vikernes tem um grande destaque, ficando clara a influência que o Conde (Count, como Varg foi chamado em um período de sua vida) teve na cena, não só norueguesa, mas na alemã, na finlandesa, na francesa e até nos Estados Unidos. É notável a grande influência dele em cima de alguns crimes que foram cometidos, alguns erroneamente ligados ao black metal, mas outros de pessoas que realmente estavam ligadas a cena, mesmo bandas que não tinham nenhum registro lançado como a “banda” Necropolis. Eles usavam a imagética black metal, os ensinamentos da cena para cometer os crimes.

Um ponto muito importante para se destacar é a imagem de Varg Vikernes. Mesmo sendo usado como fonte para inúmeros trabalhos, além dos citados nesse artigo, ele ainda é um criminoso que foi condenado pela queima de igrejas (mesmo ele afirmando até hoje sua inocência) e pelo assassinato do líder do Mayhem, Euronymous. Toda a aura de “mestre” que ele tem e as acusações contra ele são bem fundamentadas, e em diversas vezes suas falas são carregadas de preconceitos e seu extremismo político é condenável por muitos,o site The Intercept teve acesso a uma lista que determina as “organizações perigosas” que existem, lista essa que tem Varg e sua banda, o Burzum, junto com a bandas Absurd, Aryan Blood e Legion of Doom inclusos.

Cada meio de comunicação criou uma forma de abordar o tema, focando nas músicas ou nas ações ou na parte sensacionalista, então ao analisar os registros mencionados observamos e reafirmamos como cada um é capaz de criar uma realidade alternativa de acordo com o ponto de vista.

Entender os modos como as produções falaram sobre o tema, assim como a percepção das pessoas envolvidas na cena ajuda também a entender como um movimento pode causar tanto alvoroço e ser lembrado até hoje, buscando levá-lo ao grande público e aos que nunca ouviram nada sobre o True Norwegian Black Metal.

quarta-feira, 15 de dezembro de 2021

FETAL BLOOD EAGLE FEAT. ABORTED, SOLIUM FATALIS, NECRONOMICHRIST MEMBERS RELEASE FIRST SINGLE FROM UPCOMING INDOCTRINATE ALBUM

 



Birthed in 2021, Fetal Blood Eagle is the culmination of a putrid vision of reprobates to create the most awesome brutally heavy death metal of un-killable destruction ever made.... at least this week anyway.



The band features Sven De Caluwé (Aborted) on vocals, Jim Gregory (Solium Fatalis) and Ryan Beevers (Unflesh, Solium Fatalis) on guitars, Lenny Patterson (Necronomichrist) on gass, and Kendall “Pariah” Divoll (Necronomichrist) on drums.



With this combination to the lament configuration they crafted, honed, chewed up and then pooped out 10 songs of ferocity and bellicosity. Indoctrinate will be sure to tickle the senses and possibly your loins, if you don’t throw up first from blasting devastation that only these fine upstanding citizens can bring.






Indoctrinate will be released in early 2022 via Listenable Records. First single, "Hate Fucked Face", is streaming below.



DEATH - FAN-FILMED VIDEO FROM SECOND CHUCK SCHULDINER TRIBUTE SHOW IN TAMPA STREAMING

 



It was announced in October that former Death members James Murphy (guitars) and Terry Butler (bass) would perform two shows as Living Monstrosity - on December 11th and 12th - to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of the band's mastermind, Chuck Schuldiner. Former Death members Bobby Koelble (guitar), Steve DiGiorgio (bass), and Kelly Conlon (bass) were added to the bill later and performed as Symbolic.

The shows took place at The Brass Mug in Tampa, FL. The December 12th show was livestreamed. Fan-filmed video from the show can be viewed below.

Living Monstrosity - "Within The Mind"



- James Murphy (Death / guitars)
- Terry Butler (Death / bass)
- Matt Harvey (Gruesome, Exhumed / guitar, vocals)
- Gus Rios (Gruesome / drums)



terça-feira, 14 de dezembro de 2021

LOCK UP – THE DREGS OF HADES 8.5

 







So much more than just another all-star side project, Lock Up is a superb collection of highly decorated grindcore / death metal veterans proving without a doubt that they’re still as ferocious and lethal as when they first burst onto the scene forever and a day ago. The Dregs Of Hades is the fifth studio album from Lock Up, and the first to feature two lead vocalists – Kevin Sharp (Brutal Truth, Venomous Concept) and Tomas Lindberg (At The Gates, The Lurking Fear) – who successfully volley lyrics back and forth like a grenade with the pin pulled. Although bassist Shane Embury (Napalm Death, Brujeria) is the sole remaining original member of Lock Up, guitarist Anton Reisenegger (Criminal, Pentagram) has been with the band since 2006, and newly recruited drummer Adam Jarvis (Misery Index, Pig Destroyer) is a whirlwind force of damage and destruction.



After the haunting, cinematic intro “Death Itself, Brother Of Sleep”, Lock Up unleash on 13 truly combative songs, beginning with “Hell Will Plague The Ruins” – an extraordinary welcome back after the four-year gap since Lock Up’s last album, Demonization, was released in 2017. Taking it back to where it all began, original Lock Up vocalist Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) lends his voice to the chorus of the title track. “Dark Force Of Conviction” harnesses chaos, creating an equally gritty and grimy number. “Nameless Death” is a brief but blistering blast beat affair. “Dead Legions” is thunderous and timeless, bound to provide both old-schoolers and newcomers with equal delight. “Triumph Of The Grotesque” is an exercise in glorious brutality. Personal favorite “A Sinful Life Of Power” decimates with its sheer heaviness. Much like an erupting volcano, “Ashes” cannot be contained. Unlike a lot of the new extreme bands today who just play fast and scream loud, Lock Up masterfully inject groove and volatility into layers of varied density. And album closer, “Crucifixion Of Distorted Existence”, is unlike anything that came before it; a doomy, Herculean, epic finale.

IRON FATE - CRIMSON MESSIAH 8.5

 



German outfit, laying somewhat dormant, for over a decade, returns with one of the hottest properties in the underground: a mix of high pitched (Queensrÿche/Fates Warning/Crimson Glory) inspired American ‘80s metal, with the occasional tinge of thrash aggression. No, not the MTV or Sunset Strip versions of "metal," but what was lurking in the grooves of compilations like the Metal Massacre series. To that end, Jag Panzer/Three Tremors/Titan Force/Satan's Host screamer Harry Conklin adds his considerable voice to "Crossing Shores" and there is a bonus (on CD format) of Black Sabbath's "Lost Forever" (off The Eternal Idol).

Energetic kick-off, with the title cut residing somewhere between the Ryche's initial EP and slightly technical John Arch sung platters from the mid-Eighties. Good stuff and intriguing enough to suck in even the most jaded metalhead. "Malleus Maleficatum" (also the title of the Pestilence debut, translates to Hammer Of The Witches, a 1483 book, written by a German Catholic clergyman) ups the ante, vocals venturing into Midnight (ex-Crimson Glory) territory. Down-shifting to smooth throat mid-tempo, "We Rule The Night" is the slightly commercialized vein of traditional metal at which Dio excelled.

The aforementioned "Crossing Shores" has the Tyrant in a duet with the Fate's Denis Brosowski, adopting a lower register, much of the time. Jangly guitar interplay and Tate-ish vocalizations give "Mirage" (apt title) the feel of the more famous Seattle Mindcrime merchants, particularly the chorus. Acoustic strumming introduces the nearly ten minute "Strangers (In The Mind)". Eventually, the whole band gets involved, and while the intensity is ratcheted up (slightly), the tune remains subtle and restrained throughout the initial 2/3. A ballad, if you like, which is suddenly broken by a wall of galloping guitar melodies and lofty vocal highs. Feels like a bit too exaggerated endurance for the eventually (albeit fulfilling) payoff. Ultimately ending, as it began, just the singer and electric-less six-string.

"Hellish Queen" marries that godly US metallic trinity into the album's standout bit: lively, easy sing-along (apart from the unattainable register), with a fist pumping authenticity. A speedy, almost neo-classical flourish opens the pounding "Guardians Of Steel", owing (an obvious) bit to Iron Maiden. "Saviors Of The Holy Lie" opts for a heretofore unheard Sabbathy sludge/heaviness. Odd, since the bonus cut also name checks Iommi's bunch, although "Lost Forever" is an up-tempo (dare I say "happy sounding") riff-ride.



Classy. People are losing their minds over the eponymous Helloween album. If just 1 in 10 of them would give Iron Fate a listen...

RAVENOUS – HUBRIS 7.5




oung power metal squadron Ravenous have returned with an energetic sophomore album, Hubris. An blissful combination of Euro power metal with speed metal; those looking for technicality and a surge of up-tempo anthems should give this one a look.

With the title Hubris, the band explains the album “tells ten stories from various sources all surrounding Hubris, the notion of arrogance and the hunger for power.” A unique lyrical theme, Ravenous also has the symphonic instrumentation interspersed throughout the music, but is not the main ingredient. They’ll spice up the speedy numbers with bells, accordions and an assortment of other symphonic, folk instruments and considering the album title – does take some Hubris to pull off. The searing guitars and bulging drumming with R. A. Voltaire’s commanding vocal presence are the main course, especially on the full steam ahead thrasher, “The Alder Queen” while “Astral Elixir” exudes guitar theatrics and stands out as one of the best tracks. “Son Of Storms” begins with a main melody reminiscent of the “Song Of Storms” that The Legend Of Zelda fans would be familiar with and “Onwards & Upwards” is the lone ballad, but not a skippable one – heeding an epic and heroic toil that will remind of Sabaton.

10-minute closer “…Of Beasts And Faust” begins softly which then explodes into a gallop that melds the melodic speed of Iron Savior and the anthemic, fist-pumping vocals of Powerwolf. Ravenous is one to watch in the power metal scene; be sure to give this one a look.

RHAPSODY OF FIRE - GLORY FOR SALVATION 9.0

 

J

ust to get you caught up, Rhapsody the band have been wielding a power metal sword riding the dragon with their own Italian classy touch since 1997 and the debut Legendary Tales. A name change happened in 2006 adding Of Fire, parting ways with guitarist/co-founder Luca Turilli in 2011, followed by singer Fabio Lione in 2016, and even a another version of the name Luca Turilli's Rhapsody, plus one as Turilli / Lione Rhapsody. Yeah, I know it’s a lot. But there’s more, by 2019 and the album Eighth Mountain enters singer Giacomo Voli joining lone original member Alex Staropoli (keyboards) who wrote the music, and a start of the The Nephilim's Empire Saga. Glory For Salvation is the second chapter.

To the music, Rhapsody of Fire have always embraced the best qualities of the best power metal from the ‘80s and ‘90s and Helloween, early Yngwie Malmsteen, Virgin Steele, Gamma Ray, Stratovarius, Angra, Kamelot, and Blind Guardian. Minus writing partner Turilli, Staropoli has carried on without missing a musical step. “Son Of Vengeance” retains all the elements with glorious keyboards and guitars, charging rhythms, melodies, solos. And how about that voice. Not taking any shots at Lione because he was great, but this change is for the better. Giacomo has all of Fabio’s Italian grace and heart, but with more range. Just listen to his vocal pre-guitar solo where it’s just him and keys, so inspiring. At song two “The Kingdom Of Ice”, Rhapsody think outside the box for the verses holding off on the standard rampaging power metal double bass for the chorus.



The title track, my second favorite, the guitar keyboard combo plays in unison and purposeful for the chorus. But “I’ll Be Your Hero”, damn does it takes the cake for best song on the album and in my top five for the year. Not only is the opening dramatic, but it perfectly sets up the main melody and arrangement. The verses are as infectious and triumphant as the hook, and how that high note Voli hits is. Into year two of the Covid 19 pandemic, and coming out of it, “I’ll Be Your Hero” is the feel good upbeat song we all need. Elsewhere you get spoken word and woodwinds in “Eternal Snow”/ “Terial The Hawk”, and ten minutes of layered dramatics during “Abyss Of Pain II” with moments of grittier vocals too. Icing on the cake is ballad “Magic Signs” where Voli shines and should be on Broadway.