Canadian band Reverend Kill have a couple of releases under their belt already, ‘War and Conflict’ being released on their own label with large European distribution in the pipeline. Labelled as Death Metal, there is a little bit more to this band than that label on this their 3rd release. I hear classic metal riffs and signatures mixed with the usual death metal you hear nowadays, there is something that makes the band listenable and it is a change to hear a band from Canada not playing thrash or speed metal, well that is my usual association with this nations metal music output!
Musically, there are standard death metal passages like many of the bands coming from all over the world, but what i like about this music is the straight metal riffs and arrangements I often find. Vocally, it is very raspy, in some cases I feel the music sounds Scandinavian, like Amon Amarth or something like that, not old school in any way let’s get that clear. But those riffs keep on coming, especially during opener ‘Custer Falls’. It is worth pointing out that the band have gained some credible press with the track ‘Operation Searchlight’ that is a tribute to the Bangladeshi Martyrs of 1971 with lyrics written by one of that countries natives. The track itself starts with an almost haunting guitar riff, and then it thunders into life, a galloping maiden-esq style of old, this is interesting, especially as the style continues throughout the track with a deep death grunt vocal happening, actually, very entertaining. After been bombarded with the aggression of the previous tune, this makes good listening and something that I stated earlier, for all the comparisons you can give this band, their niche is being able to grab your attention and continue to listen in awe of the arrangement that seem to stem from the depths of hell of effortless ease. Feeding hybrids thrash and death, those melodic arrangements work with the vocal carnage, drumming duties are laid down with a precision double kick drum that you would come to expect in modern times. The only thing I would say is lacking is simple volume of the recording, it is a quiet mix, but then you have a volume control, but turn it up you must, then you will gain insight into the musical interpretations and fretboard sweeping, riff mongering all at once. ‘Empire of Blood’ sees the band willing to slow down and introduce some softer touches, especially at the start, building wonderfully to a barrage of double bass and guitar work. ‘War’ completes the release with a guitar working of a typical trumpeting or bugle tune, before degenerating into some rapid pace groove and intensity.
Epic death metal with battle scars? Well yes, you could say so, the pulling power of the album is quite spectacular and the album title fits perfectly with the lyrical content. ‘War and Conflict’ is a surprising package from Canada, and Reverend Kill are certainly a talented young band well worth checking out.
http://www.reverendkill.com
http://www.myspace.com/reverendkill
