Year : 2022
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : Austria
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 106 mb
Bio:
Heavy metal band from Linz, Upper Austria formed in 2016.Austria’s Venator are the latest riveting entry into the new wave of old-school heavy (NWOSHM) that’s currently taking the world by storm. Formed in Linz in 2016, newcomers Johannes Huemer (vocals), Stefan Glasner (bass), Jakob Steidl (drums), Anton Holzner (guitars), and Leon Ehrengruber (guitars) quickly set up a mining operation on the heap that is ’80s heavy metal. Digging into classic cuts from Oz, Riot, Heavy Load, Grim Reaper, et al., Venator found diamonds (and rust). The group’s debut EP Paradiser (Dying Victims) slipped into an early ’80s mode, where hard labor, partying, and found titty mags informed their no-frills, riff-forward attack.Now, Venator are readying their first full-length, Echoes from the Gutter, via Germany-based indie Dying Victims. Musically, the Austrians haven’t strayed at all from their beer can, Marlboro Red approach. In fact, Venator’s songwriting prowess has only improved, with tracks like “Howl at the Rain,” “Nightrider,” “Seventh Seal,” and “Streets of Gold” sounding like they’ve been carved out of 1985. That’s right. This is no-holds-barred heavy metal inspired by the glory years (New Coke era) thrust into the Virtua-Information Age of Web3, or whatever the fuck that means in context to the almighty riff. Get ready for anthems in non-anthem times!
Album:
Having been around since 2016, the Austrian heavy metallers Venator came forth with their debut album early on this year. Titled Echoes From The Gutter, they pay homage to the classic acts along the lines of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. It’s safe to say that this influence shows itself in many traditional metal bands, but they’re really good at distinguishing themselves. Part of this may be because they reflect the Painkiller-onward era of Rob Halford and co., but with a refreshing, young charm.As you may suspect, things stick to the melodic side, straying away from anything harsh vocal-wise. No wicked distortions are needed for the riffing, but the hoarse levels of energy and tighter production almost allow this to fall in line with the US power metal scene. Many of the tracks invite acoustic sections, longer solos, and slightly advanced bass passages to compliment the harder gallops and drum kicks. While certainly not progressive, this causes the playing to feel fuller and a bit more intricate.That doesn’t mean that Echoes From The Gutter isn’t packed with memorable choruses and uplifting emotions. In fact, the slightly raspy vocal delivery packaged with the hopeful tones works wonderfully. “The Seventh Seal” dances all over the place between harder riffing, acoustic transitions, and the interwoven somber solo. At no point does any of this feel forced, nor does the catchy chorus feel out of place. Early on, this is Venator showcasing their ability to pack in different phases and a resolution.Moreover, the lyrics fit in wonderfully here. The hopeful feelings coupled with that often make for rising action that can mold into a chorus that’s equally soothing as it is explosive, such as in “Red And Black.” Closer “Streets Of Gold” is also such a fun number to go out on; while a longer tune, there’s so much life in the lead guitars and vocals here. Plenty of room is left for straightforward metal bangers without extra toppings. The steadier layers of “The Hex” or the direct blow of “Manic Man” shall scratch this itch without a problem.If I’m going to listen to something that so obviously reflects the classics, I always want it to go this direction. Small touches of repetition, louder bass presence, a decent length, and injections of the band’s own tricks prop this up so much. It should be pretty obvious who the target audience is for this type, and which listeners would dig it. Easily one of the best albums to come out of this year.
Line-Up:
Johannes Huemer - Vocals
Stefan Glasner - Bass
Leon Ehrengruber - Guitars (lead)
Anton Holzner - Guitars (rhythm)
Jakob Steidl - Drums
Tracks:
01. Howl at the Rain 05:05
02. Seventh Seal 06:17
03. Red and Black 04:52
04. Nightrider 06:01
05. Manic Man 04:39
06. Made of Light 03:53
07. The Rising 04:39
08. The Hexx 04:42
09. Streets of Gold 05:54
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