Hammerlord - Wolves at War’s End

There are many bands that aim to make a name for themselves, and many of them get their start through outlets such as college radio and word of mouth from friends of the band members.  Despite featuring members from bands such as Nodes of Ranvier and The Esoteric (not to be confused with the British doom metal band Esoteric), Hammerlord went through the conventional routes listed to gain some level of recognition.

Despite the hardcore influences that some of the band members (Stevie Cruz and Adam Mitchell were in The Esoteric, with Cruz still being in the band, and Terry Taylor was in Nodes of Ranvier), Hammerlord is a thrash metal band that plays up the fantasy themes within their songs.  Already with a self-titled debut under their belts and an opening slot on one of Exodus’ dates last year, the band has managed to gain a local following.  This year, Hammerlord is set to unleash a new album that should gain them an even bigger following in Wolves at War’s End.

The opening track “Demon Fever” showcases what the band is about: strong thrash metal that is amplified by the equally strong vocals of Cruz.  There isn’t much nonsense on the song, as Cruz screams through the song with authority while the backing vocals of bassist Terry Taylor are a decent compliment.  Now, that same intensity is repeated for the other eight songs on the album, and rarely lets the listener up until the end.  One highlight on the album is “Tombstone Piledriver,” which for anyone who follows pro wrestling, is a reference to The Undertaker.  In case you didn’t know the song was about The Undertaker, the song also features some sound samples relating to the subject, all of which is driven home by the lyrics:

LURKING OUTSIDE THE RING WAS A FATAL ERROR. I WAS STRUCK BY THE URN HELD BY PAUL BEARER. IT'S THE BEGINNING OF THE END. THE PALE DESTROYER ASCENDS. THE ONLY THING I HEARD WHERE THE HOUNDS OF HELL BEGGING FOR MY SOUL. AND THEN A CHOKE SLAM INTO AN OPEN GRAVE

Hammerlord has a really good time on the album, and it shows through the guitar solos that let loose on the songs and Cruz’s effort on the album.  However, as with most thrash metal, Hammerlord isn’t for the weak of heart, as they run through the album with reckless abandon.  Their approach may remind some of Municipal Waste, which is to say that there is an edge to their thrash metal style that will turn off some people.  Overall, Wolves at War’s End is a solid album that displays what can happen when great effort is put forth on an album and the intensity of a live setting can repeat itself on a studio recording.  Fans of The Esoteric will likely be interested in Hammerlord to hear what Stevie Cruz does in the band.  Fans of bands such as Exodus and Municipal Waste should also look into the album to get their thrash fix.

Release date: May 29, 2010
Label: Init Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Demon Fever
2.  Storm the Castle
3.  Tombstone Piledriver
4.  Cloudsplitter
5.  Wolves at War’s End
6.  The Ballad of Rusty Tomaki
7.  Hammerlord
8.  The Anomaly Rue
9.  Creating Destruction

Total playing time:  40:22

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

July 3, 2010

Reviewer: Peter