Subliritum, a black metal band from.... yes that’s right... Norway! Featuring members from Keep of Kalessin and ex Bloodthorn, they already had metal running through their veins. Formed way back in 1999 and releasing their first album in 2001 ‘Prophecies’ (Evil Horde Records) then in 2004 they released an EP ‘Dark Side of You’. Shortly after the band went hiatus while Keep Of Kalessin members concentrated on their band. The remaining members decided to take it upon themselves and form a new band with new members, and this is where the new album ‘A touch of Death’ Comes in.
A nice little drum roll introduces the first track ‘No Tomorrow’ and the keyboard work; a perfect concoction of fantasy and doom. The vocals growly, almost Satyr-like, perfect for the genre. I would only suggest them to be a little louder. An unexpected yet powerful and almost violin sounding guitar solo flows through the middle section.
A galloping drum/guitar riff toward the end gives an even more impressive slice to an already champion track. ‘Indulgence’ is pretty much all over the place, a faultless track for a good slam/mosh pit. The middle section slowed down with some beastly, crunchy riffs then back in with fingers insanely speeding all over the fret board. ‘The Beast’ at first sounded exactly the same as the last track, fortunately it got better, the vocals on this one is the best so far, almost demonic and the clean vocals, quite grand and perfectly clear.
The intro to ‘Back to Zero’ reminded me of Disturbed (Sorry lads) but soon changed into something vicious and angry, fantastic! Again the lunatic fret board almost burning with the riffs all over the place. So it’s not the strongest one on the 8 track cd, but still not bad at all. ‘Memories’ for a slight second I thought was going to turn into a crappy cyber-goth dance track, then BOOM! A thunderous riff, fantastic! And after a short while it just gets better, although the clear vocals I felt ruined it just a smidge. The music seemed too brutal for it.
The last I want to mention is ‘A Touch of Death’, just when I thought it couldn’t be any more barbaric, they switch it up a notch and make this hellish track. A completely crazy piece that Mr Satan himself would be proud of and probably rock out to. (Do you rock out to Black Metal?)
An awesome cd to be fair, Keep of Kalessin members made the right choice in helping to form this band, much more listenable and catchier than their KOK stuff.
http://www.myspace.com/subliritum
Charlene Rance
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