The hammer has struck again!
The boys from Styria are back and are releasing their second demo with "Viva la Revolución!". They call their style "Thrashed Metal". I would describe this style creation by the three Austrians as Melodycore with strong punk and metal influences.
Things get really hard and fast on the record.
The gas pedal is pushed all the way down, with some very interesting tempo changes. It’s a real treat for the ears how much variety is packed into the songs. While other releases in the genre are often quite flat and uninspired, this one is bursting with joy of playing and creativity.
The production is very raw and disregards technology and effects.
It was recorded in a truly old-school manner. No "clickclack" in the headphones. What came out sounds organic and dirty and goes straight through.
Bäd Hammer have taken a bit of a horror western concept on "Viva la Revolución!". The cover features a skeleton wearing a sombrero, holding a flag. The intro "El exordio de la sedición" opens the record with western guitar and congas, building up tension really well before the title track unleashes a brutal storm. For me, it’s the best song on the EP. It reminds me of early Strung Out in terms of playing style.
"Viva la Santa Muerte" is more metal-oriented and complex without being annoying. On the contrary, the parts are well thought out and fit together nicely. The track "Lost" is also intricate. Here, melodic growling is mixed with energetic playing, and the song is about the abduction of a girl who was kidnapped and imprisoned on a lonely road.
The song "Speed Bastards" is the only song in German and is very similar to the title track. Where the band really messes up is with a cover version of Motörhead's "Bomber". Not only is Motörhead covered for what feels like the 84750693rd time, but nothing fits here at all. The drive of the original doesn’t come through, and the double bass destroys the entire feeling of the song. The guest vocalist is the worst part. His timing is totally off, and he sounds like he’s on a ship lookout. Even the precise solo of the guest guitarist can only save it to a limited extent. Underground, that deserves a deduction. ;)
Otherwise, the band is very skilled on their instruments. I particularly like the guitar playing of Matthias Feurer and Peter Hofmeister's fast and tight drumming. Christian Kayer on bass also does a reliable job. The vocals are nicely venomous, but at times they could be more convincing and clearer. The lyrics are also not the best.
The band is currently working on new material. I’m curious about what’s coming; it’s all very promising. I’m looking forward to it!
This article was automatically translated by AI.
