Vastator - Hell Only Knows |
Published April 242009
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Hellish Clown |
| Genre | Speed Metal |
Nelson D'Aldunce
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 11 |
Francisco Gutlierrez
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Guitar
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| Runningtime | 42 Min. |
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Guitar
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| Label | Inferno Records |
Peyote Barrera
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Bass
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| Release | 08 August 2008 |
Gerardo Barrenchea
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Drums
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| Country | Chile |
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Keyboard
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| Similar artists | Vhäldemar, Atomic Head, Massacration | ||
The Speed Metal legends of Chile - Vastator - have existed in one incarnation, or another, ever since 1986. They have undergone many line-up changes, with erratic vocalist: Nelson "Rob Díaz" D'Aldunce, being the only mainstay member.
This album - Hell Only Knows - was self-released in 2007, then re-released in August 2008, through American Line Productions. They are now signed with Inferno Records, who are based in France. The CD includes two video clips: Hell Only Knows and Unbreakable.
Vastator are quite a unique blend of aggression, power, metal, and might. The music models the '80s essential thrash motif, with some enduring epic pieces like - Souls Of Heroes and Monseñor. Fans of Hirax, Exciter, Helstar, early Winter's Bane, and Phantom take heed.
Nelson wails with a high pitch in an attempt to emulate Rob Halford, King Diamond, Bobby "Blitz", and Eric Adams. His semi-urgent, fervent flair is what drives the music and mayhem. When he sings with his cybernetic heartbeat pulsating; his accent is evident, yet the English words are easily construed. I'm reminded of Bruno "Devastation" Sutter from Brazil's silly Massacration. His piercing shrill will shake the metal foundations.
The CD begins with the uproarious title track, immediately following a quirky intro. Inner Fury -with it's subtle misogynistic overtones, is full of inner combustion, and explosive passion. Unbreakable - is hyper fast, and eccentric. Bloodline is a bit slow, and waning. Pounding Hearts - embodies a true celebration for Metal. Evilution - is an invigorating frenzy of intensely mordant chaos. Sometimes the enticing melodies are reminisent to both the awesome albums by the Biscayan Spaniards - Vhäldemar.
The last three songs are all sung in their native tongue. Máxima Entropía is a new version of the song from their '89 demo of the same name. The CD abates with the same whirlwind of turbulent fury, as it began. This compels me to hit play again, and dive back in!
Vastator may take some time to fully absorb. The production
is fair, for a self-produced effort. If this is released on vinyl, it
would sound more appropriate. If you are a fan of Chilean thrash with
a unique pulse like Atomic Head, or Pentagram, or if you like the heavier
bands like Necrodead, and Atomic Aggressor, then I would recommend experiencing
the vast deviance of Vastator.
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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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7 |
7 |
7 |
7,5 |
6,5 |
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Summary
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7 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel |
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