ALBUM REVIEW: Defender, Destroyer – Ice War
Canada-hailing Jo Capitalicide (also of APHRODITE) brings us another speed soaked record from his one-man band, ICE WAR. Since the dissolution of his previous venture IRON DOGS in 2015, he’s been releasing demos, EPs and albums, and has now signed with Fighter Records ahead of his fourth album, Defender, Destroyer.
Raging speed metal with the feel and attitude of hardcore punk, ICE WAR draw inspiration from bands such as RAZOR, IRON ANGEL and early HELLOWEEN. Fantasy painter Didier Normand was enlisted to create the stunning album artwork, featuring a skeletal warrior and his horse riding through the fantastical, barren lands of ice and snow, which immediately gives you a bit of insight into what to expect from this album.
Power From Within guides us into the record as gently as speed metal could possibly allow with a dancing melodic guitar riff which soon smashes into fast-paced percussion and chugging guitars layered atop one another, creating a chunky, raw sound. Capitalicide‘s rough vocals are bursting with energy and attitude, he shows his vocal range here in title track Defender, Destroyer with the first of what will be many epic metal screams. The speed doesn’t let up here and races onward at a breakneck pace with powerful, energetic vocals and thundering instrumentals. The bass peeks through the cracks here, supporting the sound nicely.
Soldiers of Frost kicks things off with a chugging, catchy riff mirrored by the bass which then comes in running, dancing up and down alongside the rasping vocals. One of the strongest tracks on the record for the simple reason that the track is sectioned so well. It blends frantic speed with a catchy ‘gang’ chorus and some unusual scales which add depth and interest, all finished off with that aggression and passion. The record has a true vintage DIY feel, it’s not polished at all and sounds like it could easily have been recorded in someone’s garage, or should we say an icy cave. Rising From the Tomb is no exception, it’s rough around the edges with a frantic tempo and Capitalicide’s gravelly voice scratching at your ears. There is nothing about the mix that is smooth or particularly pleasant, but you can pick out everything you need to and admittedly, it does add that old school metal charm.
Mountains of Skulls switches things up a little with soft cymbals guiding us into a mid-tempo headbanger of a tune. Lyrical themes weaving epic fantastical tales, Capitalicide’s strained voice explodes with passion and strength once more. Fury-filled marching military drums and that galloping bass come in for Crucified in Fire’s marching military style drum sound. A track littered with intricate guitar licks and soaring screams doused in venomous attitude. Demonoid smashes the door down once again with another strong track, a killer riff and a simple shouting chorus, perfectly designed for sweaty bodies to scream out in a beer-soaked pit.
It’s almost impossible to listen to vintage style metal and not draw an IRON MAIDEN comparison. ICE WAR is no exception, with the bass running in speed in Skull and Crossbones, holding its own much akin to the style of early Steve Harris. The songwriting is a lot better in this track than in its predecessors; there are distinct sections, a clearer, more cohesive sound and a memorable chorus. Running Out of Time’s razor sharp riffs and crushing power once again bring nice layering alongside the strained vocal melodies, you wouldn’t guess this was the product of a one-man band, but ultimately it’s nothing new for this record. Ending things on chugging, subdued note to begin with, Breakaway is soon brought up to speed with high-tempo bass licks left right and centre and a simple chorus to round off the record; speed metal that does what it says on the tin.
Passion is certainly not lacking on Defender, Destroyer. Raw aggression and emotion can be heard in everything from the lyrics and explosive instrumentals to the rasping vocals. Capitalicide certainly has talent, he’s pulled off a rager of an album literally all by himself, but what this record is lacking, is memorability and variation. This punk-infused speed metal has the vigour and skill, but after a while the tracks all haze into one and it does get quite repetitive. But if skull crushing heavy metal is your thing, give this a whirl.
Rating: 7/10
Defender, Destroyer is set for release on July 21st via Fighter Records.
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