Search - Vader :: Beast

An album that delivers just what its title promises

A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 10/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vader aren't one of Poland's finest exports only because of their talent and powerful song execution, but also because they offer a small breath of fresh air to the scene. They don't write their songs around over-the-top subject matter, unintelligible vocal parts, and a few good riffs; they compose whole, thoroughly planned out songs.



Vader's seventh album (not counting EP's and live discs, mind you), "The Beast," IS a friggin' beast. It's a well-produced, superbly-played effort, and a brutal, fiery, careening, relentless ride, making it on par with their best material. Even the addition of some new blood--drummer Daray (formerly of the band Vesania) replaced longtime skinsman Doc--didn't slow this band down at all. In fact, Doc does an excellent job filling in, because there is some truly awesome drumming to be heard here. He, together with the guitarists (Peter Wiwczarek and Mauser Stefanowicz, who unleash blistering, streamlined chainsaw leads and solos), make this record the audio equivalent of a fleet of rocket-propelled bulldozers, which conquer and race past everything in sight while still managing to pull off some nifty hooks in the process. The band members unrepentantly blast and rip through almost every song on "The Beast" (almost every second), thus producing stellar thrashing intensity, frenetic energy, and industrial strength songs.



The foreboding "Intro" is the sole song on here which is completely restrained, so take a breath before proceeding with the next track. Don't even bother standing in the way of tracks like "Out Of The Deep," "Firebringer," and "Insomnia," because their trade-off, smoke-inducing, buzzsaw guitar leads, wild solos, furiously fast and walloping blast beats, and barked vocals will effortlessly plow right over you. "I Shall Prevail" packs an equally-as-blinding speed, but it differs because its guitar solos are fairly slow, melodic, and technical. "Dark Transmission" is bolstered by hooky, rhythmic, circular leads and persistent, bottom heavy double bass thumps. "The Sea Came In At Last" is a big highlight, and a song you'll remember vividly long after it has stopped playing. It boasts a great slow-fast dynamic; the slow parts have gentle strumming and a grumbling bass line (as well as a few moments of near silence), while the fast parts blanket the listener with breakneck guitar work and busy, forceful, Meshuggah-esque drums. Next, "The Zone" and "Apopheniac" are two fairly abrasive, mid tempo cuts which are juiced with slower, grinding, churning riffs and fairly long, wailing solos. And finally, "Choices" is a potent, thunderously booming set closer (but it begins with melodic guitar strings).



It's true that Vader don't exactly hide the fact that they draw from the same well as Slayer for much of "The Beast," but they're still two completely different bands. Vader's songs are catchier, and they have a minimally-used vocalist vocals who draws influence squarely from death metal. There is absolutely nothing to dislike here; this is a thrilling, completely satisfying record. If you're any kind of metalhead or Vader fan, then you'll buy this C.D., bar none!"