ALBUM REVIEW: White Bat – He Is Legend
After the roaring success of previous crowd funded release Few it is time for HE IS LEGEND to repay the fans who so diligently stood by them with the arrival of sixth studio album White Bat which is available now via Spinefarm Records. After announcing the album will revolve around the concept of a fictional serial killer what can the quartet bring to the table?
The title track kicks in with a thunderous burst of drumming, groove soaked guitar work and the signature raspy tones of Schuylar Croom. Maniacal laughter lurks in the background as the melodic chorus takes hold. The infectious cry of “They call me White Bat, I kinda like that” seeps into your skin as the album instantly comes surging out of the gates. The raunchier sounding Burn All Your Rock Records swiftly follows with hard hitting riffs and a pulsing tempo to get your adrenaline flowing like a tidal wave coursing through your veins. As the track crosses the midway point it descends into darker, evil tones. When The Woods Were Young has no intention of putting the breaks on the frenzy as further flourishes of pace injected instrumentation races forth. The rock fuelled chorus lines are simply intoxicating.
The rumbling bass lines of Eye Teeth lead the way before waves of energetic riffs rise to the surface. The gritty heaviness adds an additional level of intensity to the track. Talking Stalker introduces calming, bluesy guitar work to proceedings allowing for chilled vibes to wash over before the next round of frantic chaos makes its presence felt. Schuylar‘s powerful bellows lead the charge combining forces with impactful drum segments and unforgiving riffs. Bent takes an initially more restrained approach before following suit with the riff assault. The technicality is knocked up a couple of notches with some enticing guitar pieces and alluring, emotionally charged vocal lines. Resister Resist Her emits a grungier vibe which combines soothing melodies with sharp riffs in an ebbing and flowing fashion to keep you guessing where the track may lead next.
Uncanny Valley harbours a solemn demeanour which encapsulates you in the narrative as the instruments meander through the track gently assisting in providing a captivating atmosphere. The Interloper casually sneaks into view with echoing guitar work as the vocal lines take prominence once more. The intensity begins to pick back up towards the latter stages which spills over into Skin So Soft. The tense drumming and eerie nature draws you in before welcoming you with engrossing riff work. The gnarly sounding breakdown rises from the depths to send shivers down your spine followed by a compact blast of energy which nicely tees up the curtain closing Boogiewoman. The pummelling guitar work and seductive prose leads into a ridiculously catchy chorus line which is destined to become a staple of their live sets for years to come. HE IS LEGEND have definitely saved the best for last as this track leaves such a satisfying taste of euphoria on your tongue.
HE IS LEGEND have flew under the radar for far too long and it is about time that one of North Carolina’s finest gets the plaudits they so rightly deserve. White Bat treads the line between rock and metal blurring the lines with ease to provide without doubt their best album to date. There is not a single lull or moment of lacklustre content to be found. If you like music which feels like being repeatedly punched in the face by Mike Tyson you need White Bat in your life.
Rating: 9/10
White Bat is out now via Spinefarm Records.
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