Torchbearer: Yersinia Pestis

The Black Plague. It's the curse that keeps on killing. Centuries after it first hit, it's been resurrected by this Swedish outfit for a 10 track spin around the block. And, frankly, the Black Death has never sounded as much fun (well, maybe except for the odd Monty Python joke). Whereas plenty of death metal outfits focus on speed and melody, Torchbearer manages to incorporate both in a mix that also features the odd grind grunt, the paper cut-to-the-jugular rawness of black metal and these odd groove things that sting like arctic frostbite. Thing is, it hasn't yet all jelled into something that really marks this band as masters. See, the album's dynamics wane a little bit, especially toward the end. Some of the cool ideas there are spread a little thin––a million riffs in a song doesn't necessarily mean you've got a better or more interesting tune, it only means you've got a million riffs, my boys. Still, this is a pretty cool little rekkid, even with its faults. Looking forward to hearing more, my lads.

Track Listing:
1. Assail The Creation (2:38)
2. Sown Are The Seeds of Death (3:21)
3. Dead Children, Black Rats (4:23)
4. Faith Bled Dry (2:01
5. Bearer Of The Torch (4:24)
6. Pest Cometh (2:53)
7. Far Advance Closure (4:42)
8. Thus Came Dying Unto Kaffa (4:09)
9. Shorespread God (4:02)
10. Failure's Dawn (3:23)
Total Time: 35:09

Added: August 19th 2008
Reviewer: Jedd Beaudoin
Score:
Related Link: Metal Blade Records
Hits: 3795
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]