Review Summary: Futuristic hybrid metal that should be more reconized here on this site.
For awhile, I have been on a massive melodic metal rampage. Constantly playing my Deadlock, Sonic Syndicate, and Soilwork CDs, I became obsessed and began to delve further into the scene. I then found “Raunchy“. Despite the dumb name, I gave it a chance. I was impressed right away, and quickly forgave them for such a cheesy name and CD title. Not much has happened in Denmark since King Diamond was in power. Slowly bands like Hatesphere, Mnemic, and Raunchy are giving their country a new lease on life.
Raunchy was formed in 1994, in Copenhagen Denmark. They have two full legth cd's under their belt, and are in the process of another one. Now, Raunchy play according to themselves, futuristic hybrid metal. More cheese, but they play a unique style that helps sets them apart, and hopefully spearhead the metal movement in Denmark. Elements of industrial, metal core, and melodic death metal are infused together to create something special. They combine Meshuggah like guitar rhythms with heavy electronic effects, and the harsh/clean vocals. They pull this off pretty well throughout, except for a couple of the latter songs that seem to tail off at the end. Grooves are heavy, choruses are booming, and the drumming patterns are phenomenal. "This legend forever, starts off in full gear, showing off their electronic side, before thrashing about wildly . Kasper Thomsen is a capable vocalist, pulling off the harsh growls, before giving in to the chorus's, showing off his clean voice for the first time. Kasper has a raspy growl that is used to full effect on this album and a smooth croon that makes it‘s way onto the choruses and sometimes the verse‘s. It seems like his voice has been magnified by the production to give a mechanical or futuristic tone, but still stellar. His singing voice is pretty solid as well, making the choruses loud and powerful with his smooth delivery. Most of the CD follows similar structure's of heavy to light except for one. “Phantoms” start's off the opposite, opening with the clean to harsh formula. Kasper sings the verse then screams in the chorus. There are many other standout tracks on this disk, such as, “Remembrance“, and the stunning, "The Curse Of Bravery".
Musically this band has improved much since their last . Kasper's vocals has gotten better since Confusion Bay. The clean vocals standing out more, and the harsher vocals adding a gruff tone to the music. The guitar attack is more focused, and the riffs have gotten heavier and pack some serious groove .The drumming has clearly improved, as speed is the main goal in this music. The electronic parts are more prominent then ever, giving their music an aggressive edge with a unique sense of melody, instead of relying mostly on melodic riffs or solos, which there is a lack of those to be found on here. There is still plenty of melodic riffs, just more balanced between the other instruments. However, don’t turn away because of that. You'd be doing this cd a great injustice. Production is tight for a band that makes heavy use of electronic effects in their music. Vocal work is sterling, guitar sound is gritty and hard hitting, drumming excels with rapid double bass patterns, and the Keyboard/ programming effects are used to perfection. Bass is toned down in the mix, but no real fault here.
As I said before, bands like this and “Mnemic” should have no time motivating the rest of Denmark to put their balls to the wall, and finally become a force in the metal scene. The Danish metal scene has been reborn, and I’m looking forward to see what the future has got to offer. With this offering, they should already be more established around the metal community, but instead are criminally underrated. Raunchy, check this band out before I beat some sense into your think wooden skull. For Fans of Strapping Young Lad, Lacuna Coil( no hot chick), and Soilwork. Melodic metal that is easily accessible to all.
Pros‘: Easily Accessible
Strong Vocals
Improved instruments and songwriting.
Cons: Songs seem to drag in the end.
Not recognized as much as they should.
