Review Summary: The world of progressive thrash metal may be a little cramped and limited, but there is always room for a new brutal (and I mean UGLY BRUTAL) entree. Make way for Drogher, a technical abomination of Luxembourg origin.
The world of progressive thrash metal may be a little cramped and limited, but there is always room for a new brutal (and I mean UGLY BRUTAL) entree. Make way for Drogher, a technical abomination of Luxembourg origin.
Although Drogher is a relatively new name on the scene, they have already released a plethora of impressive singles following the debut EP 'The Last Wave.' Today, we will be preparing 'Unhold,' which perfectly showcases the band's style and flavor.
Occupying the niche of everything progressive, the act balances between death, thrash, and speed metals, like a more evil brother of Voivod. But the material here is heavier in a profound way, not only because of blastbeats and deeper growling vocals – it’s more about the overall feel and relentless attack.
The song kicks off with a surgically precise riff worthy of the prime metal heroes – somewhere in the area of Gojira and Gorguts – only to teleport instantly to something from the realms of Decapitated and Cattle Decapitation, maybe a pinch of Behemoth in the vocal approach.
The bridges and choruses are more slow and Nile-ish, with a massive ballcrushing capacity.
Closer to the ending part Drogher emphasizes the thrash riff, putting it in a different context and developing it into classic euro-metal suspense with spoken word. This is in everyone’s book, from Kreator to Celtic Frost – and hey, it’s not bad at all.
The climax of Unhold wreaks with massive mid-tempo riff development and ruthless vocal assault.
It’s a well-balanced metal piece, with everything in the right place and proportion – and at least one “bleaurgh” to rule them all. Drogher is well aware of the potential contained in Unhold, so they did an accompanying music video; don’t expect too much from it, but it comes as a nice addition to liven up the visuals and shows dedication and serious and professional approach.
Do not miss that sweet metal militia from an unexpected location – Drogher is well worth it.
