What can Vader possibly record that could top the magnificent The Art of War EP from earlier this year. I consider that EP death metal perfection, and the thought of them releasing a full length album promising to continue that same prodigiousness, excites me to the point of salivation. We are damn lucky to have a band like Vader around, a band that is in their prime, have hit their stride, and arguably, find themselves at the top of their genre.
It is especially true this year. I feel this year has not produced nearly the amount of great metal as the last two. A thought soothed when I finally got to listen to this new album. As a follow up to the EP, falling a bit short is inevitable, but it has, nevertheless, met any expectations I had conjured up in my little metal head.
As much as I loved The Beast, these last two releases have stepped up the velocity, so much so, I think it tips toward thrash instead of the well worn path of traditional death metal. The drumming is the most noticeable change and appears to be the catalyst for the rejuvenated sound. Increasing the kicks to blast beat levels does sound great when used correctly; however, the threat of losing intensity is a concern to many fans not wishing their favorite band to move from technical death to mechanical death. Although I feel using blast beats can render an album's sound cold when not controlled, but reigned in like it is on this album, I do not think an ounce of emotion has been sacrificed.
Opening track "ShadowsFear" drives this aforementioned point home, unfurling with tremendous blast beats and coupled with the Mauser's frantic fret work, could easily have been included on their EP, and sets the perfect pace and tone for what is to follow. While it is fast as hell, it is no match for "As Heavens Collide," a brutal sonic explosion from beginning to end, with a nary a moment to exhale, it is a classic volume dial turner.
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