Today we indulge in an Australian metal band called Nekrofeist. Included within this EP are six tracks. The last two tracks are simply radio edit versions of two previous tracks so I won't be reviewing the radio edits. They are exactly the same just without the lyrical profanity. It is my understanding that the singer has an indigenous background which is sadly rare within the metal scene in this country. Alas, let's check out this EP with the 'parental advisory explicit content' sticker on it!
Dominiputris - We start out with a timely beat and bass line. The music extends a welcome groove to lure us in. The rhythm gradually increases with intensity until the vocals arrive. The vocals are a grunty yet clean style of vocal, so all lyrics are decipherable. The sound engineering has been balanced well and clearly produced. You can hear all of the musical parts as one should be able to. At 03:33 there is a guitar lead starting to build up and plays out quite well. It is all structurally stable and well played and makes a great start for this EP.
"We want to hit you with a sledge hammer, We want to wedge you in a brick jammer, They want to kick you in the face flyin', They want to destroy you so keep tryin'..."
Choke - The groove in the music keeps you attuned and involved. This band reminds me somewhat of Godsplague with the groove and vocal style. They are definitely a band to pay attention to and not just have on for background music. The music is fairly straight forward and simplistic yet bares finer details which make them fairly unique and worthy of one's attention. It isn't fast, overpowering or aggressive, nor is it doom like or sombre. It is groove based, slow-medium paced metal. Not stoner, but relaxed if you get my drift. It is fairly heavy yet easy on the ears and this is another good track.
Destroyed - This next track starts out with some sitar, guitar melody and cymbal taps. It has a Middle Eastern feel to the rhythm. The song tends to drag you through its emotional vent throughout its structure. At 03:27 the guitar lead kicks in to release a large load of angst. At 04:42 the drums get their go at angst intensity as the vocals relay their newly found mental clarity. It is easy to follow and to enjoy and makes for another great track to the album.
"I wonder if you've had enough, You've had your fun I've found you out Destroyed my love, Can you believe the damage that's been done, So go ahead grin and think that you've won..."
Government Ruins - This track has a slightly faster pace and is therefore more involved to the listener. You will find yourself tapping along to this track whether you'd like to or not. It of course consists of groove based metal and smoothly transitioned structural shifts. This band obviously knows their metal and knows what sounds good. Personally, I don't like too many changes or too much going on musically, or how amazing a technical guitarist someone is and so on. I like the simplicity. Music can say so much more when it is founded upon the basics. A shift here and there, an increase or decrease in tempo, a lead or two (short or lengthy) but not fiddly diddly messy music. And this is a perfect example of straight forward, as it should be, basic metal.
"Slain, Word went out as they both came down and the answers ran away, Stain, Another truth and tell me where did you get that version from..."
Dominiputris (radio edit)
Government Ruins (radio edit)
In essence, this EP is a great example of what this band is about and as such they have sold me. The CD I received is the in-store version. The CD sleeve is comprised of one page. The cover bares the logo and symbol for the band and the reverse side to this page bares the logo, member names and positions and contact info. The very back of the CD cover has the track list and band picture. The CD itself bares the logo, symbol and track listing. It is overall a great introduction to this band and from what I can hear I would like to hear more and even see them play live. They seem to have steered clear from the general populous in respect of fads and what not which is what this country needs. These guys have stayed true to their roots and created a fine composition for us to enjoy. I would have preferred the lyrics be included in the EP but I understand the financial pressures which discourage this. If I were at a gig hearing this, I would buy it. It's only an EP so it would be cheap and is well worth supporting such a band. Check out the links below!
LINKS
Nekrofeist Myspace
Nekrofeist Facebook
Nekrofeist YouTube
Review by Déa di Morté © 10 February 2011
All pictures and lyrics courtesy of Nekrofeist