The axe has spoken in such melodic tones it’s difficult not to get wrapped up in it and bathe in its cantankerous ramblings, which seems the order of the day. Despite being written on New Year’s Eve, this kind of metal says “Enjoy the New Year, or be damned!” The love affair that I have with metal of this calibre knows no bounds.
It’s funny really, as I am not a violent person at all, but when it comes to fuel-charged aggressive metal it fans the flames to an extent where my head explodes and my blood rages under the skin. I hear a deep growl or high pitched screech and all hell breaks loose, and I am not going to apologise either!
The short jabs of music on ‘Devastator’ are like acid rain dropping onto your head and bleaching it clean with magnificent expertise! Unspoilt by the thuds of brutality that get you from all angles it simply serenades in the most violent way possible, stripping the mind and body of any dignity it once possessed.
Now in its mighty grip the band have you exactly where they want you – and there is no escape from the humongous rhythms and dark foreboding brooding that lies in wait for you at each and every turn of its mighty outstretched hand.
Continuing with ‘Elixir’ that probably doesn’t mean life, but death, that’s a no-brainer, it ravishes with contempt and eagerly consumes the very soul, just as the track ‘Misery’ enthusiastically feasts on the ears and goads with utter vehemence.
‘Nihilist’ offers some shrill riffs and breath-taking vocals along with a slower but menacing pace. It festers and breeds its own brand of violence that is contained within its very core, so much in fact, you can feel your gut churning in anticipation of its next move. ‘Omens’ has that ominous feel, you know what to expect but you are still in shock at its extremely powerful venomous gallop that just blows the mind and a few fuses along the way.
What is a bit of a shock is the track ‘Paralysed’ which is quite melodic and creepy at least at the beginning, however, it picks up pace and smashes the skull like a hammer to a walnut! ‘Solace’ is another high flyer along with ‘Thorns’, and ‘Warpath’ tracks can alleviate stress as well as cause it.
Another superb 2017 album offering – superb!
Boris the Blade Warpath is out via Siege Music on 27th January 2017.
