ALBUM REVIEW: The Face Of Fear – Artillery
ARTILLERY have endured two quite lengthy spells of hiatus and numerous lineup changes in their history but there is certainly no quit in the Danish thrashers. Releases have been relatively steady in recent times and they are continuing to build on this with the release of their 9th full length studio album entitled The Face Of Fear which is available now via Metal Blade Records. The current lineup has three releases under their belt and continue to grow in confidence, can they continue this momentum?
The Face of Fear doesn’t mess around as thunder drums and adrenaline injected shredding kick off proceedings. The soaring vocals of Michael Bastholm Dahl add some intriguing power metal vibes into the mix. It isn’t long before the Stützer brothers let loose with some clinical solo work setting the expectations high right out of the gate. Crossroads to Conspiracy takes a more restrained doomy approach as bells ominously chime in the background. This change in tempo is shortlived as the track quickly gears up for another round of fierce instrumentation. The riffs come thick and fast as ARTILLERY really get into their groove. New Rage lures you into it’s grasp with clean guitars and enticing vocals before bursting into some of the most anthemic, headbang inducing riffs 2018 has had to offer. This track is will undoubtedly become a hit if included in their live repertoire.
Sworn Utopia sends shivers down your spine with some excellently executed falsetto screams before resuming the frenzy. The chorus is drenched in melody which brings some interesting elements to the table as opposed to the expected ferocious, face melting qualities of most thrash metal. Through the Ages of Atrocity continues this mentality and provides some really crunchy, addictive guitar work along some alluring vocal segments. The lead and rhythm sections join forces in a lethal combination of immaculate intensity. Thirst for the Worst revisits the evil sounding tones previously introduced with an IRON MAIDEN like galloping stride. Further impressive lead work is displayed towards the latter stages.
Pain leaves the chaotic thrash mentality at the door for this one in favour of a lighters in the air, ballad kind of vibe. The hard hitting riffs are still evident but in a more mainstream heavy metal fashion. This track definitely feels like it was crafted to be a more radio friendly addition to this release. Under Water takes a calmer approach with echoing harmonics and a tense pulsing beat which provides a short interlude before Preaching to the Converted brings the tempo back to boiling point with some frantic drumwork, energetic shredding and impactful guitar squeals. All the hallmarks of a classic thrash metal track to bring The Face Of Fear to an electrifying conclusion.
That may have signalled the end of the new material but two rerecorded tracks from yesteryear make their way onto the record to provide some nostalgic vibes in the form of the lively upbeat tones of Mind of No Return as well as the quirky, Jekyll and Hyde like Doctor Evil which transitions brilliantly between groove ridden metal and bright, punchy rock riffs.
2018 has been an intriguing year as it has been a critical point for many breakout bands who have released insanely brilliant albums but it has also been a landmark littered with a lot of the ‘old guard’ returning with great material showing that they can still stake a claim for the top. The Face Of Fear is not just an album for thrash enthusiasts. There are lot of diverse and captivating elements which will appeal to a wide audience. The inclusion of the tracks from previous records was a clever touch as this may entice younger audiences who didn’t have the opportunity to follow ARTILLERY through their storied back catalogue to delve deeper into the classics which brought the Danish thrashers such acclaim.
Rating: 8/10
The Face Of Fear is out now via Metal Blade Records.
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