I’ve been getting into this idea that music tells stories lately, which is a really great way to think of music; I just didn’t know the story was going to be about descending into hell due to the wrath of God and the continual destruction of mankind and everything I would ever know. Sounds grim, but this is what you’re confronted with when you listen to Bulletbelt’s latest release, Warlords. What I love about music like this is that catchy choruses are mixed with absolute destructive chaos to the point where you find yourself rocking out while giving your best impersonation of Skeletor. It’s such a delicious mix and makes for a damn fun time.
And considering most of the world is in lockdown, I think we can all be forgiven for rocking out in our lounge rooms in our tracksuit pants.
It’s good to see that the voice is mixed up in this release, but I would say, I’d like to see it mixed even more. The guitars have that unmistakeable plastic quality that suits this music well. The drums thud and bound in a way that drives the message and music forward. And the overall mix gives a nod to the traditions of old with its slight cloudy feel, but not so much that it sounds like it was created on a 4 track. Really, this release is not unlike distilled whiskey; strong, potent but most importantly, well crafted. https://www.pornjk.com/tags/xcxx/
I have to mention, the biggest surprise for the album for me was the Herodian Kingdom, which was kind of a black metal ballad. It reminded me of a love letter written in pig’s blood. This is a damn hard-hitting and intense release, well worth the nightmares it will induce.
Suitable for those who don’t like to sleep at night.
Release Year: 2020
Label: Impaler Records
Category: Album
Country: New Zealand
Reviewed by Liam Frost-Camilleri
