ZUBROWSKA
Family Vault
(Xtreem Music)
33:27min

This relatively young band (named after a vodka brand yet with an additional “s”) hails from Toulouse in France and delivers a very convincing mixture of modern slam- and blast-ridden Death Metal, psychotic Metal Core and twisted Math Core arrangements… if you like that style, that is. No idea about the lyrics here – from the first glance some titles have a humoristic touch (‘Maniac Rockers From Darkness’ or ‘Vampire Killin’ Kit’) but I will leave that to you to find out. ”Family Vault” is actually their second effort after the already well done debut “One On Six” that got released in 2003. The vocal delivery is shared between two throats and varies between deep growls, high to mid ranged hardcore shouting and occassionally a wailing voice as well as some more or less spoken bits. Also the overall songwriting approach is packed with different influences… I must say that the Xtreem info sheet is quite accurate here in mentioning the many influences that these guys have digested: besides the massive riffing that is slightly akin to older DYING FETUS the fast und intricate licks as well as some abrupt tempo / signature changes bear a clear resemblance of DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN… “Under The Running Board” certainly had an effect here! I don’t really agree that velocity and technical level are on par with the also mentioned CRYPTOPSY and CEPHALIC CARNAGE but nevertheless this comparison serves as a good and valid hint as the material is at times very fast and far from simple. ZUBROWSKA don’t blast their way straight forward all the time, though – besides the shifting of the signatures and in addition to heavy moshing riffs several almost melancholic, psychotic sounding calmer parts add up to the picture – the CONVERGE comparison mentioned in the info fits. Personally, I would say that ZUBROWSKA definitely are a force to be reckoned in the world of modern hardstuff music and I bet my ass that this is massive in a live situation! Most probably not an album for the traditional Death Metal afficionado but in case you dig any of the above mentioned bands (I might add BURNT BY THE SUN) you have to risk an ear. Contact ZUBROWSKA: c/o Julien Deyres, 1 Rue Pons Capdenier, 31500 Toulouse, France, email: info@zubrowska.com, homepage: www.zubrowska.com. Label contact: Xtreem Music, P.O. Box 1195, 28080 Madrid, Spain, email: info@xtreemmusic.com, homepage: www.xtreemmusic.com.
 

Ulrich Kreienbrink

Ulrich Kreienbrink

Related reviews / interviews:
ZUBROWSKA - One On Six (Christoph Göbel)

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