REVIEW: Beastwars By Beastwars

Beastwars
Beastwars
(Independent)

Jam-packed with more action than a season of 24, Beastwars’ Untitled debut is one of the most jaw dropping metal albums I've ever heard recorded in New Zealand.

Strident, triumphant, aurally invigorating and heaps of other positive words, this nine-song collection of total awesomeness sees the Wellington four-piece explore their own effortless soundtrack to Armageddon. Singer Matt Hyde fluidly switches between post-Black Sabbath singing and the classic metal growl. Breathing between the notes, he responds automatically to the pictorial landscapes the band’s arrangements demand he articulate.

Rhythm section James Woods (bass) and Nathan Hickey (drums) construct solid, marching grooves - equal parts ancient tribal drums and straight ahead metal beats, with a thick river of sludgy toxic bass flowing through. Guitarist Clayton Anderson paints vividly ornate or distorted melody, rhythm and texture lines.

The result is a haunted landscape of sound architecture that has benefitted heavily from engineering courtesy of Dunedin legend Dale Cotton. Standout tunes include 'Lake Of Fire', 'Cthulhu', and 'Empire' amongst others.

As a special bonus, the band is also releasing the record on gatefold vinyl, with some of the most incredible artwork I've seen for months.

By Martyn Pepperell