The Batallion - Head Up High

Black thrash emerges from the Norwegian hillsides by way of The Batallion. The sophomore effort, Head up High, casts a looming shade over the scene and tries to further solidify Norway’s hold on all things black metal.

Combining some serious early 80’s punk with the very typical thrashing elements we all know and love, The Batallion cruises through the tracks with a reckless, yet orchestrated abandon. The songs themselves are really good to listen to, albeit somewhat predictable. Still, the metal found here is not exactly what Black River is doing per se, but it does have a certain ‘black-n-roll’ feel to it, which is really good. Without sounding as unpolished or volatile, some Black Flag and Misfits certainly mesh with early Celtic Frost and Motorhead for a deadly combination. The one drawback is the songs all seem to sound eerily similar, but it’s to be expected with music like this; the basic pattern is there and it is to be enjoyed for its simplicity and charm within certain set parameters.      

“Within the Frame of the Graveyard” is the closest thing to newer Misfits as it gets without completely crossing that line; however, don’t go into this release expecting crooning over Martian lyrics. As I said, early German thrash is the mainstay here within these tracks, especially evident in “Each Man for Himself” and “Bring Out Your Dead”.  “Thick Skinned and Weatherbitten” is one of the better tracks on the album simply because it really calls upon the old Celtic Frost era, all the while keeping things narrow just enough to call it “homage” as opposed to imitation. Overall, the album is just an enjoyable ride through simplistic chords, raspy vocals that don’t overpower the music and catchy hooks that carry the listener pretty well.

There’s just enough filth and sadistic wit within tracks like “Each Man for Himself” to certainly carry the ‘black metal’ tag with some credibility. Considering the band claims members whose track records include, Taake, Old Funeral, Borknagar, Grimfist and Amok you can just tell the influence won’t stray far from the blueprint. That said, Head up High is just what the title implies: a prideful undertaking that won’t set the world on fire, but certainly combines some of the finer elements of metal and some punk the fuse this bomb ready to detonate at any given spin.  

Release Date: September 27, 2010
Label: Dark Essence Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Mind My Step
2.  Head Up High
3.  When Death Becomes Dangerous
4.  Within the Frame of the Graveyard
5.  Thick Skinned and Weatherbitten
6.  Each Man for Himself
7.  Undertakers
8.  Paces
9.  Where there is Smoke
      there is Fire
10.  The Roaring Grandfather
11.  Bring Out Your Dead

Total playing time:  38:04

*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:

Reviewer: Chris

December 26, 2010