Translate

EP Review: Beltfed Weapon- Darkened Demise

-


Review by Anselm Anderson

Seattle-based Beltfed Weapon has just released Darkened Demise, their fourth EP, a couple of weeks ago. Formed in 1999 by guitarist/songwriter Frank Hetzel, the true "Veterans" of the metal scene incorporate elements of speed, thrash and death metal. 

I decided to write this review after I read the backstory for this album. The album is dedicated to the memory of vocalist and project founder Tim Aymar, following his untimely death in February. Darkened Demise gave the ex-Control Denied vocalist the opportunity to experiment with his vocals alongside some experienced musicians. Tim Aymar befriended Frank Hetzel on Facebook after the latter became a fan of the band. Hetzel emailed Aymar about a project he was working on and invited Aymar to write down some tracks.

Beltfed Weapon, led by Hetzel, has released 3 EPS: Beltfed Weapon (2001), Peacekeeper (2009), and Raining Plague (2015). I recently came across the EP, Darkened Demise, which is a fantastic metal release that is sure to impress any fan of the genre. The bone-crushing rhythms and salivating solos are truly impressive, and it's clear that Hetzel recruited some highly talented musicians to create such a powerful sound. The release is described as the band's "most ambitious " album to date. Although I had never heard of Beltfed Weapon before, after listening to Darkened Demise, I am now a fan.

Darkened Demise combines several musical styles that borrow influences from bands such as Judas Priest, which is evident in this release. Mixed by Juan Urtega, the release features Steve Tucker (Morbid Angel), Jason Viebrooks (Exhorder/Grip Inc) etc.

The EP kicks off with the intense and edgy thrash metal sound of 'Accept Your Insanity'. Tim Aymar impressively mimics Rob Halford's signature octave-bursting vocals, perfectly complementing the aggressive guitar sound crafted by Hetzel.

Next up is the brutal and dark metal sounds of 'Darkened Demise', vocalist for Morbid Angel, Steve Tucker, who lends a powerful and sinister edge to his growls. He complements the shifting tempo with finger-splitting guitar solos between Kagen Lum and Jeff Loomis. Frank Hetzel is a talented and experienced songwriter, further enhanced by the addition of Loomis and Lum on guitar.
Photo Credit: Ylana Glickman
Furthermore, 'Eternal Fire' is a classic speed metal track supplemented by staggering rhythms and the iconic vocals of Aymar. The head-splitting blasts beats of 'Killing Machine' is a true Death Metal song with harrowing growls, enhanced by the drumming ability of Bryan Newbury. 

Lastly, "'Head First Into Hell" showcases the timeless metal sound that merges the skull-rattling drums of Newbury with powerful, awe-inspiring vocals. My only criticism of the release is the lack of credits for each track. I struggled to identify which musician appeared on the tracks. I had to visit the Beltfed Weapon website to find out the musicians on here.

Overall, Darkened Demise is an emotional tribute to a talented lyricist and vocalist, Frank Hetzel wanted to honour by showcasing to the world a true metal album by a man, who he held dear to his heart.

Rating: 4.5/5


Follow this link here to keep updated with all the latest news, interviews, and reviews from Rambling Man.



Social Media Link





Click on the videos for 'Darkened Demise', 'Eternal Fire' and 'Head First Into Hell' via the Beltfed Weapon YouTube channel below.
































 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EP Review: Saint Diablo Embraces the past on "The Reckoning"

-
Image
  Words from Anselm Anderson Nu-Metal is making a return with a bang. The latest band to embrace the genre that mixed down-tuned guitars with mixing desks and aggressive vocals about personal struggles and social anxieties is Virginia-based sextet,  Saint Diablo. Today, the Latin Americans release their latest four-track EP 'The Reckoning' via Eclipse Records.  The band consists of lead vocalist Tito Quinones, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Zach San Pietro, drummer Anthony San Pietro, and percussionist Awesome Ray Ray. It has released two full releases to date, including 2015's critically -acclaimed Devils, Horns and Halos. The Reckoning  is no exception as the band delivers four sizzling tracks of apoplectic rage, thunderous riffs and catchy choruses to set themselves loose on the metal world. Upon first listening, I felt the band reminded me of the 2000's Latin Nu-metal group Il Nino. Ironically, this EP  was mixed, mastered, and recorded by the band's prod...
Read more

Eclipse Records News: IN WE FALL signs exclusive worldwide deal with the legendary Metal Label

-
Image
Photo Credit: Carlos Nemeth   New album Inner Self set for release on December 13th Iconic Record Label Eclipse Records  has announced its latest acquisition with the signing of In We Fall to a worldwide exclusive deal. An alternative metal band from Vila Real, Portugal, In We Fall, is known for creating a distinct and exotic sound through a mixture of alternative metal, progressive metal, and grunge. The band recently finished recording their debut full-length album entitled Inner Self which will be released on December 13, 2024. The album was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Daniel Moreira, at EvoluiSom Studios .    guitarist Carlos Carneiro says of the signing “We are really thrilled about signing with Eclipse Records and looking forward to the best work we can do with them!” says guitarist Carlos Carneiro. “Our debut album is ready to be released, so it really is great to be able to have this kind of support from them at this stage of our careers! Vo...
Read more

EP Review: Paradis- Self Titled

-
Image
  Words by Anselm Anderson Metalcore act Paradis released their hotly-anticipated self-titled debut EP last week, The quintet combines the raw ferocity of the genre's vocals with the dark atmospheric music of black metal, which is a unique approach to the revived genre, once maligned by metalheads all over. Formed in London, England, the multicultural group consists of vocalist Johnny Weaver, guitarists Pedro Silva and Federico Di Biase, bassist Mark Kuchmenko and drummer Flynn Everard. The band commented on how this was a team effort, reflected over five intense, headbanging tracks. Photo Credit: Michael Williams One notable aspect of this EP is the diversity of the tracks. Paradis delivers powerful and ominous metal with impactful orchestration and bone-shaking breakdowns. The band's creative ideas allow the music to take on a life of its own, showcasing a contrast between aggressive, angst-filled vocals paired with heavy riffs, and melodic vocals set against gothic underton...
Read more