Viron - Ferrum Gravis |
Published February 15 2008
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Liberator* |
| Genre | Traditional Metal |
Alex Stahl
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 9 |
Thilo Feucht
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Guitar
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| Runningtime | 57 Min. |
Roger Dequis
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Guitar
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| Label | Metal Heaven |
Ingmar Holzhauer
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Bass
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| Release | 26 Feb. 2008 |
Andreas Neuderth
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Drums
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| Country | Germany |
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Keyboard
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| Similar artists | Ritual Steel, Metal Inquisitor, Wizard | ||
The 2006 release by Viron was aptly titled NWOGHM, thereby
implying that these Germanic impressives, were here to liberate or save
us from the staid and stagnant sounds of such compatriots as Rammstein
or Subway to Sally. Germany has successfully produced high quality metal
for over three decades, but I'll wager that what Viron meant by "The
New Wave Of German Heavy Metal" was to wave the flag of hate for
all those who strive effortlessly to "Keep It True". Their
Teutonic irony is a new wave of British Steel. In the tradition of Majesty,
Wizard, Rebellion, and the legend that is U.D.O., Viron stand strong,
steadfast.
In the pursuit of pure metal, these pugilists square off in the violent
playground of notable contenders such as Sencirow, Abandoned, Ritual
Steel, & Titan Steele. Amatively, in the style of many honest burgeoning
German legates, Viron maintains the standard challenged by Destillery,
Metal Inquisitor, and all the amazing acts on Iron Glory & Hellion
Records.
Viron are the real deal. When choosing a name for their 2008 follow-up,
they did their research. Ferrum Gravis is Latin for "Heavy Iron";
but this connotes a deeper rendering, as the term "gravis"
refers to heaviness in sound, and carries a more weighty aspect of sincerity
and importance. Thus Viron are playing some "Serious Steel"!
The music on Ferrum Gravis exemplifies this bold, metal balls to the
wall approach. They rage with mettle might, while screaming with a vengeance.
Just accept this! Viron are on the run and wild with excitement, ready
to blow your fuse; kicking serious ass! These creators of chaos are
bound to die hard, always loyal with a fealty for real steel. Iron,
hammer, & anvil are their tools of destruction.
Perhaps they are influenced by such under appreciated acts from the
early 90's such as Pettypew, Regicide, or Custard. Most likely, they
are familiar with icons like Vendetta & Deathrow. This may suggest
why these riders of doomsday reap rancour with raging steel, all the
while upholding the metal law.
Vocalist Alex Stahl has a great range, germane to many front men of
the Fatherland, not too high; never gruff; yet at times still incongruent.
I hear a strong similarity to El Rojo of Metal Inquisitor. Musically,
though, Viron is not as proficient as those grand masters. Gifted guitarists
Thilo & Roger lure you in with their six string seduction of power,
which delivers with an indelible signature.
Each song has it's own identity, and only Beyond The Gates lacks that
lustre. Liberator is a great way to initiate the steel attack with an
adrenaline surge. The vile driving force continues balanced by the arresting
pace of - On The Run and aggressive intensity for - The Isle Of Man.
The chant of War elicits sentience with its persuasive candour. Here
Alex truly unclogs his iron pipes, and attains a very emotional aspect.
Metal Ball is sick with immense riffs and solos galore. Playground For
Billions embraces that Viking Metal motif musically, but not lyrically;
although Viron do sway into the winds of Valhalla. The CD closes with
the ensnaring Sniper incursion.
The production is quite polished and very pronounced. The brash bone
crunching riffage is articulated with a continual cadence of chords,
and a melange' of merry fills, leads, and solos. If you savour Traditional
Metal, and crave true Teutonic Steel, don't be led astray, relish this
monument. Now With An Ongoing Gratitude for Heavy Metal, I'm on fire
for Ferrum Gravis.
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Performance
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Originality
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Production
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Vocals
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Songwriting
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8 |
8 |
8,5 |
7 |
7,5 |
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Summary
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8 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel |
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