Ever since my first review, I said to myself that I would never be critical of a band’s music and that I would share the review if I genuinely enjoyed their album/Ep. Not only have I enjoyed Azreal’s new album Premonition I have been fucking blown away!
At first listen I found myself struggling to label it into a specific metal sub-genre but after a couple of days of really blasting the thing it occurred to me that Azreal has done such a smashing job at fusing elements of thrash, groove, and plain heavy metal that the more you listen you don’t really need to think– oh this bit sounds like Pantera or this bit here is influenced by Sepultura. It’s Azreal and far-out it sounds original.
Hailing from the Gold Coast this 4 piece have put out an incredible 12 track monster full of face-melting riffs, solos, and drumming that covers a wide range of technique from blast beats to slow yet solid head banging perfection. Frontman Luke Hosking has blended his amazing vocal work in brilliantly to really lift Premonition to another level in the underground metal scene.
“Fall to Pieces” is ready to break your neck with a blistering mix of speed and aggression. “Surveying The Fearful” is a headbanger’s fantasy with a beat so infectious you can’t help but get down with the groove! “Victim” is downright heavy with an eerie mix between the vocals, bass, and slow riff.
The song that I was really blown away with however was the final of the album titled “Ghosts”. You would swear the beginning of it was written by Tool.
This song is not full of double kicks or aggressively screamed vocals. It feels very meaningful. It has a real deep connection with the listener. It could easily be on the soundtrack to a movie blockbuster best suited one of those dramatic scenes that bring a tear to the eye or leave the hair standing up on the back of your neck. “Ghosts” is not only my favorite track but also my highlight of the entire album. Coming in at just under 9 minutes and with 2 powerful guitar solos, it might just be yours as well.
Premonition does not feel like it has come out of the Aussie underground metal scene. It feels like an album made by a band with a few world tours under its belt.
Please do yourself a huge favor and buy this CD. I could continue writing about how great it is but sometimes words don’t do great things justice. You will just have to get the album yourself.
(The review was first published by Northern Rivers Heavy Metal Facebook.)
Azreal: Facebook
Release Year: 2014
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Metal maN
