VADER „The Beast”

Death Metal
37.43 (10 songs)


Cool songs: Out of the Deep, Dark Transmission, The Sea Came in at last, Choices
www.vader.pl

If Poland’s Vader were car manufacturers, you’d buy their product blindly. That’s the kind of guarantees you can expect from this band – consistency and quality, year after year, album after album. ‘The Beast’ marks full length album NO.7 for this legendary metal act and whilst it isn’t their best effort, it isn’t far off the pace (all of their albums rank within a mark of each other in my opinion).

‘The Beast’ is simply classic Vader. They’ve always been one of my favorite death metal acts, but that because they’ve always incorporated a healthy ‘thrash’ element in their guitar riffs and pacing. The drum patterns and riff structures continually display that same attitude and vibe of those 80’s Slayer albums. This is a good thing. ‘The Beast’ is actually an even thrashier affair than usual, and embellishes upon a style they consciously developed over the past two albums (Revelations and Litany).

Furthermore, as a signature sound, this is about as Vader as you’ll ever get – The material is an excellent blend between the fast stuff they are renowned for and some more mid-tempo material. I’d even go as far to say that ‘The Beast’ is possibly Vader’s ‘catchiest’ album yet. That’ll put the fear through the diehards, but really it’s nothing to be too concerned about. ‘The Beast’ still rips in true Vader style, but with a slightly more deliberate structure and focus.

There are some who will accuse ‘The Beast’ of being a ‘safe’ Vader album. In part, I would agree with that statement. There is no doubt that Vader have a formulaic style now and whilst the material on ‘The Beast’ isn’t a rehash of former glories, the more discerning fan with recognize familiar riff patterns. However as a rebuttal, I’d argue that no one could really expect many surprises with any new Vader release. They’ve been honing this style for the past 15 years. We know what they sound like. We know what to expect. ‘The Beast’ is pure Vader with some slight refinement only. If you’re after progressiveness in Vader’s music now or in the future, don’t hold your breath.

‘The Beast’ should please 99% of current Vader fans. If you’re new to the band, Vader have released stronger albums (2002’s Revelation in particular) but as a starting point this album would be as good as any. It doesn’t tread any new paths or explore any virgin territory (except maybe in atmosphere) fro the band, but you can be assured that Vader have again delivered with ‘The Beast’.

note: 8.4/10

Tracklist

01. Intro
02. Out Of The Deep
03. Dark Transmission
04. Firebringer
05. The Sea Came In At Last
06. I Shall Prevail
07. The Zone
08. Insomnia
09. Apopheniac
10. Choices