Demo IV – Forebear Avenger
(Caligari Records)
35:06min
Well, to some the name HEAVYDEATH may sound a little silly, at least extremely pithy. I have to admit that I thought the latter, too. But after listening to them, I have to admit that the name fits like chalk and cheese. The Swedish three-piece consists of experienced guys who are around in the scene for ages, having played in MASTICATOR, RUNEMAGICK, SWORDMASTER and many other bands. But with their new band, they step onto new ground. As I haven’t really heard their first three demos, all of them released this year, I have to focus on “Demo IV – Forebear Avenger” here. HEAVYDEATH started with the purpose to play “Heavy Death” music, thus the name is a pretty logical and bold choice. Nicklas Rudolfsson, Johan Bäckman and Daniel Moilanen are on their way accomplish their purpose to the highest degree. Yet, HEAVYDEATH is not only heavy as hell and deadly tuned down, but there are also some elements of very traditional Doom Metal in the SAINT VITUS vein in their sound and some hints on Sludge and Stoner stuff as well, due to the dense sound. The three songs that originally are intended to be the demo are blending into each other, making it hard to find out exactly which is which. But on the other hand, this seemingly 24 minute long song lives from this atmospheric intensity. Combined with the somehow chanting vocals, HEAVYDEATH created a nearly spiritual sound, that appeals to the brains as well as to the gut feeling. As a kind of bonus, “Forebear Avenger” also includes a re-recorded version of the band’s statement song ‘Into The Heavy Death’ from their first demo, that fits perfectly with the songs from “Forebear Avenger”. Finally we have another re-recording from an older demo, ‘All I See Is Decay’, in a so-called “soft version”. Well, this one features no distorted heavy guitars, but a special 1970s obscure Doom vibe instead. The pure sound delivers an own, scary atmosphere that haunts the mind. Lovers of the obscure, heavy and special styles should check out HEAVYDEATH as much as those Doom lunatics out there, since this band is definitely not for everyone, but for those who love the wayward sons of mother Doom. But be quick if you want to own a physical copy of “Demo IV – Forebear Avenger”, since it is released on Caligari Records, like its predecessors as well. So there are just 100 copies in a worthy tape package. Check: www.facebook.com/heavydeathofficial, www.heavydeath.com or heavydeath.bandcamp.com. And never forget to visit the dedicated label at: www.caligarirecords.com, www.facebook.com/caligarirecords
Thomas Meyer
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