Vader - Necropolis

September 24, 2009

Reviewer: J. A. Burt

In a time that’s seen several outstanding releases by many great long-running Death Metal bands, first name in Polish Heavy Metal VADER certainly rise to the occasion with their ninth album Necropolis.  Less an all-out onslaught than it’s predecessor, Necropolis showcases a VADER reining in the tempos a bit, while at the same time incorporating a great deal more thrash-based material.  All of this is accomplished, thankfully, without sacrificing one ounce of their trademark brutality.

This time around, after the dissolving of the band’s previous lineup, VADER is nearly a solo project.  The vocals, guitars, and bass were all performed by Piotr Wiwczarek, and what becomes apparent while listening to this album is just how much of himself he has tirelessly poured into this band for so many years.  Piotr’s dedication and hard work are truly why VADER has consistently been so formidable in both the development and longevity of the Death Metal genre. 

The songs here are decidedly more varied than on 2006 blast fest Impressions in Blood, and it almost seems as if Necropolis should have been the album to follow the fantastic The Art of War.  Opening track “Devilizer” charges forth, thrashed out with violent riffs, while album highlight “Impure” crushes with its massive, malevolent groove.  The sinister “Dark Heart”, with its uniquely serpentine time-signature is near mesmerizing, and “Blast” and “We are Horde” are quintessential, brutal VADER.  The vehement dark thrash of closer “When the Sun Drowns in Dark” is reminiscent of Celtic Frost at their best, and exhibits scathing solos and some fancy cymbal work by new drummer Pawel Jaroszewicz, whose subtly intricate performance on Necropolis is quite impressive.  Doc will always be missed, but Pawel more than adequately accomplishes the job with talent and dignity.

In 2009 Death Metal is very much alive, and the decorated veterans of VADER are making sure it stays that way by delivering a powerful proclamation with new album Necropolis. With all the power and energy the band’s always been known for, the diverse and engaging Necropolis breathes new life into the band and erases all doubts about whether the old school’s still got it.

TRACK LISTING

1.  Devilizer
2.  Rise of the Dead
3.  Never Say My Name
4.  Blast
5.  The Seal
6.  Dark Heart
7.  Impure
8.  Summoning the Futura
9.  Anger
10.  We are the Horde
11.  When the Sun
       Drowns in Dark

Total playing time: 40:44

Release Date: August 21st, 2009
Label:  Nuclear Blast Records

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