Kicking off like a many have for decades, those calm, clean and slowly layered builds that lead into an explosive wall of distortion soaring with inspiration, German band Horseman with their now third release, ‘Of Hope, Freedom And Future’ are out to show claim eardrums. Metal to the bone, they blend that thrash speed and accuracy with groove and catchy hooks like masters of their craft, you learn quick and know something good is coming, but you just don’t know from where next.
The album plays through completely relentless, it is as unforgiving as it is full of talent, fresh yet familiar. You can hear plenty of musical likeness to favourites like Lamb of God, Sylosis and In Flames, ‘The Monsters I Feed’ maybe hitting a little too close to being similar to a few tracks by those mentioned, but as a whole the album delivers.
‘Teach Them to Question’ and ‘See Me Hanging’ are deserving of the biggest of pits with seriously catching moments that shine like the brightest of suns, ‘An Open Mind Breaks Down Walls’ provides a beautiful instrumental moment, its only crime seeming to be ending far too soon and not developing into something more. ‘The Giant’ brings back some insanity after its misleading intro, especially when the solo comes into play, but if a great solo is something you are after then ‘Fools Keep Marching’ is one for you.
Production wise, it is hard to flaw, maybe at times there could be a slight touch more clarity when the lead moments come into play, but that really is clutching at straws and me personally letting my guitarist side out and not being too much of a fan of the guitar tone. The drumming sounds strong and intent, a heavy, powerful bass fills out the rhythm section laying a great foundation for the duo of guitars. All the bases are covered. Lyrically, the content is clear and strong, vocally sitting somewhere between Randy Blythe and Anders Fridén which really suits the style of the music perfectly. The only way they can top this album is by nailing it live, and I have no doubt that they are more than capable of pulling off the finest of live shows with material like this.
‘Of Hope, Freedom And Future’ is due for release September 21st via Massacre Records.
