Track Listing
1. Blinded by fear 2. Slaughter of the soul 3. Cold 4. Under a serpent sun 5. Into the dead sky 6. Suicide nation 7. World of lies 8. Unto others 9. Nausea 10. Need 11. The flames of the end Year: 1995 Label: Earache - Official Site |
At The Gates - 'Slaughter of the soul' - By M. Freeman
How to introduce such an epic album without heaping praise upon it is not an easy task, so I'll keep the introduction simple. At The Gates' 1995 disc from Earache records is supreme melodic thrash that will launch it's own earache-inducing onslaught with each and every listen. Album opener 'Blinded By Fear' starts off with a distorted tone, which it also ends with. Anders Bjorler and Martin Larsson (both on guitars) unleash an almighty riff upon the masses and whilst not being completely original, the guitar solo fits amazingly well with the piece. The title track is more of the same, with the screeching scream of 'GO!' from Tomas Lindberg as the track rips into full paced pummelling that is equally as memorable as the opener. Adrian Erlandsson deserves much credit also, as his ferocious drumming pace kick back and forth like a musical thunder storm about to be unleashed from the speakers. One point to note is that most tracks here are within the three minute mark, certainly not a bad thing, keeping these raging riffs short and sweet is the best method of getting the message across and this track ('Cold') is further proof of this. A slight mid-tempo section appears to give some breathing space between the focus riff and the guitar solo once again. 'Under A Serpent Sun' chugs along like a high speed freight train with no boundaries, a difference in starting formula is quite clear but all the ingredients remain for a classic thrash metal anthem by the lords of the Gothenburg metal scene. Again, the drumming is prominent, if a little covered by the squeamish yelps of Lindberg, which with any other band may seem too high pitched, but here they sound perfect. I can assure you a breather track would help at this stage, and the band have picked up on this and added an extremely relaxing and peaceful acoustic element with 'Under The Dead Sky'. This track was written by Jonas Bjorler (brother of Anders) who contributed his fair share on the album. One of the stand-out tracks of the record kicks in appropriately with the cocking of a shotgun. 'Suicide Nation' has all the features of the opening four tracks, but the emotion in Lindberg's voice carries over-whelmingly with his doomy cries of pain and terrorised mayhem. 'World Of Lies' clamps it's authority on the listeners ears with a trademark infectious power riff and wields it's angsty feel around the entire track. More chugging riffs and a spoken sample covered by tremor-like guitaring add to the whole devastating feel of yet another great track. Track eight 'Unto Others' has many elements that previous tracks held strong to, not necessarily a down point, but it starts in a way that leaves little to the imagination. The closing to the track is immensely impressive, the slow-down, vocal scream and pick-up combine together to capitulate what At The Gates are all about. 'Nausea' opens with a grinding scream again from Lindberg, the drumming is untamed and the combination of the two guitars is nothing short of savage, relentless genius. Hammering away at the speakers as they will now be accustomed to, this track reels with impressive moments as all the previous efforts have done. The penultimate piece of thrash to bless the album is 'Need', one of the most impressive drum sounds of the record is present throughout this short track which gradually banks down with haunting whispers and almost orchestral enchantment. The final offering, entitled 'In The Flames Of The End' is completely different from the terror of the most-part of this fine album, symphonic synthesisers establish the chilling atmosphere before distorted guitars swing their way into the piece to close the album off nicely. It must be agreed that At The Gates called it quits as a band when they reached their finest moment, this was unfortunate because this album really is a must have for all metal fans and certainly leaves you wanting more. Perhaps though, going out on a high was a good idea, their musical achievments cannot be criticised that is for sure. A brutal album that remains at a relentless pace almost from the word go to it's closing, this is mandatory for any real metal fan, of that there is no question. Metal Obsessive Grade: 96% |