Vredehammer – God Slayer

Written by on 08-12-2024 at 21:00.

The end of the year is approaching fast and we already have to worry about the fact that many metal albums that were worth picking up have not yet been reviewed. This definitely applies to Vredehammer, whose predecessor Viperous ended up neatly in the end of year list of yours truly. Way too late of course, but that doesn’t make it any less sensible. God Slayer is album number four by this black death/death black band, the first that doesn’t start with a “V”. Justifiably. Vod Slayer, that would be ridiculous.

Let’s start with the best news. For this new album, band master Per Valla has put a mercenary behind the drum kit who will cause almost as many “ooohs” as my naked appearance. Nils “Dominator” Fjellström, who doesn’t know him? Nordjevel, ex-Aeon, ex-Dark Funeral, ex-et cetera. A drumming beast, destroyer of many skins, (many) drums and dreams and ambitions of novice percussionists.

As described in the Viperous review, Vredehammer has always convinced with its combination of technical precision and atmospheric elements. God Slayer further refines this formula. It sounds generic in description, and evolution-wise it actually is quite generic. The production lacks organic material, which was more present on the previous album. However, there is more than enough meat left on the bones, with commanding, explosive riffs defining the dark, aggressive atmosphere of the album. Add a number of memorable melodies to the staccato riffing, even some progressive twists here and there (the cruising speed on this God Slayer is slower than on Viperous), and you have an album with a layered quality.

Per Valla’s vocal performance is, as is always the case, top notch. His raspy screams fit perfectly with the quite emotionally charged music and the range of his throat ensures that the album becomes more than just a technical blackened death metal album (or is it the other way around?).

Where should you keep halt? Well, with The Joker because of the drum intro, the main riff and the name of the song. With the title track, because of the intense structure of the second part of the song. And then there is The Dragons Burn with an opening riff that hits quite hard. Not much fillers on this album, the skip button has not been pressed. Again end of the year list material, I think, but I still prefer Viperous.

Score:

85/100

Label:

Indie Recordings, 2024

Tracklisting:

1. Intro
2. From the Abyss
3. The Joker
4. God Slayer
5. The Dragons Burn
6. Blood of Wolves
7. Death Becomes the New Day
8. Product Human Slave
9. Obliterator

Line-up:

  • Per Valla – Guitar, vocals, bass guitar, keyboards

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