A plague the size of London’s great pestilence has hit Melbourne and the people are happy. There are a plethora of angry young dudes in this city, who are channelling that anger into some pretty fine artistic endeavours. One of the latest musical releases is by the Melbourne band Mason, whose debut album ‘Warhead’ encapsulates much that is wrong with being alive in this age.
Like those who have gone before, Mason rips into some pretty strong retro style metal beats and through their music try to touch the conscience of the age. For a first release, the album is mature and, at times, hits on a balance of instrumentals and vocals that belie the band’s recent formation (2007).
The ten songs on the album showcase a mix of styles but are overwhelmingly retro.
Sometimes it’s brilliant when the listener can hear the instrumental prowess of a band without the distraction of vocals, and the first track off this album is unsullied by words. ‘Alarum’ is the standout track for this effort.
Right from the first beat, we are taken on a tempo fuelled journey over intense guitar riffs, through jungles of manic drum beats and down into valleys of deep bass undergrowth.
Fury finds its zenith in the song ‘Imprisoned’, through which the lyrics convey emotions attached to wrongful imprisonment. One can feel the absolute agony and frustration of the man who is behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Vocalist and guitarist James Benson manages to rip through the meaningful lyrics without reducing us to playing the song backwards, forwards and sideways so we can figure out the words.
From here the album travels along the rushing river of wrath and hits a bend when the song “Lost It All” appears. The famed Jeff Loomis from Nevermore is employed as guest guitarist on this slower track, and for a while, the river meanders around an acoustic bend then hits some mid-tempo guitar rapids. Many metal aficionados don’t enjoy the balladic tracks, but there is only one here, and it is adept.
‘Warhead’ then hits the rapids again, and rushes through songs that include the title track, and comes to a screeching halt with “Vengeance”. Vengeance does put an end to things, whether it is to the anger, to the efforts and actions or to a chapter. Vengeance can also open up a new wave of vehemence, and it’s a sure bet Mason will be opening a new jar of that very soon.
This is one for the traditionalist. If you like your metal old school, you will find much to please you here.
Mason: Facebook
Release Year: 2013
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Sharon Brookes
