Even in the most popular of musical genres, there lurks many talented bands just hiding in the shadows, waiting to be discovered. Now imagine Black Metal, one of the most underground genres in existence, and the thousands of bands who show originality, technical proficiency, and all around creativity that would put most mainstream bands to shame and disgrace. Sadly, many of these bands never get the chance to rear their heads into the limelight, due to many unseen and unpredictable circumstances. Its a shame then, that a band as good as Swordmaster (which consists of future members of electro/metal outfit the Deathstars) never really got to see the light of day. The band contained the chops, the beats and the unique qualities to lead the black metal pack, all of which is clearly evident on the band's first release,
Wraths of Time
Great opening track "Wraths of Time "opens with fast, tremolo picked guitars, that while original, maintain the "cold" atmosphere aesthetic of classic black metal. The drumming consists mainly of well played and accurate blast beats, that help the song easily transform from raging, violent black metal to something a bit more melodic. The guitar line morphs into an amazingly melodic and strong Dissection-esque melodic black metal tremolo picked line, and then, something more influenced by early melodic death metal. The vocals introduce themselves, its almost shocking to find that current Deathstars frontman Whiplasher (A.K.A. Andreas Bergh), has a harsh, raspy bark, most suiting for this intense form of music. He can pull of the high, phlegmy typical Black Metal vocals as well as more guttural death metal influenced ones as well. Next song, "Upon Blood and Ashes..." begins slow and doom metal influenced, with crawling, dragging open powerchords, but then takes a complete twist, bringing in dissonant tremolo picked chords and lightning fast drum work. This song is more akin to traditional Mayhem, and Darkthrone early Black Metal, with some melodic flourishes, creating a great contrast between melody and unrelenting brutality. Throughout most of a song, a melodic, yet simple lead is played repeatedly, but this simple guitar line is the core melody of the song, upon which everything else is based on, which no doubts helps the song jump from its sometimes melodic path to its more chaotic moments. This EP also contains the songs" Conspiracy-Preview" and "Outro", but due to the fact that neither of these are full songs, they won't be reviewed here.
While, truly only 2 songs long, the
Wraths of Time EP would be a great addition to any black metallers catalog. Even at this young stage in their career, it was quite obvious that this band was a force to be reckoned with in the black metal scene. It truly is a mystery as to how Swordmasterp a clearly talented group couldn't break into the big leagues, even though they deserved to be grabbing headlines everywhere. Hopes can remain high though, for as long as their great music continues in circulation today, one day, maybe just one day in the future ,this band will find the recognition they deserve.
