What’s up, guys? Sometimes I have some positive things to say, sometimes I don’t. Looks like this one is well… maybe you should just read on.
Ever like not get into a band and then try to review it? This is me with Enslaved’s new one Utgard via Nuclear Blast. I’m not sure how I feel about this, I’m sure that I shouldn’t really start on their 15th release, but I’ll try to keep an open birdbrain here. There is some cool stuff here, notably “Jettegryta” is the standout track for me, with a more pounding, sorta thrashy thing going on. There is some more “atmospheric” stuff on here, and it breaks up the sound here. I’m not really sure here, this is very “middling” at times, and not super exciting, but it’s not awash in monotony either. This is one of those records that Enslaved fans will find very exciting, but for me, it’s just OK. So, just so I don’t get any hate, I’ll give it 7 Fucking Pecks.
When you call your band Repuked you had BETTER deliver. And on their third effort, Dawn of Reintoxication, these swedes DE-LIVER (get it?). So, what about this? When your lead track is called “Vodka Til the Grave” it better be fun. Fun it is. This is that sorta “easy to head bang to” metal that sports studs and leather. Odes to drinking, sado masochism, and well… drinking. These guys, although they rip, don’t take themselves that seriously. The more I’m listening to this, the more I’m kinda digging on it. Musically, this is kind of akin to old Swedish thrash death with the emphasis on the “thrash.” Think like a SUPER fun Niphilhiem, OR like a blackened thrash Municipal Waste from Sweden. Complete with puking “effects”, I dig it. 7 Fucking Pecks.
Do you want some BROOTAL death metal? Incinerate is hitting us with Sacrilegivm on Comatose. This is NOT to be confused with the 8,000 other bands called Incinerate. This is the Incinerate from Minneapolis/California and now Canada? Does that clear anything up? This is not super tech, not super caveman. Planted firmly in the middle of that, is some slamz, and some AMAZING solos here. This is a decent record, but what is really sticking out here are the solos. This guy is incredible. The production here is a little warm for my taste and could benefit from a little more “teeth.” All in all, this is a solid record, but just like most slam/brutal death records, there’s not a lot here (except for the solos) to differentiate itself from others in the genre. 6 Fucking Pecks.
Until next time… Waldo out!
