Vulcan Tyrant – Vulcanocide

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VULCAN TYRANT is a duo of musicians based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. They've been active since 2005. However, "Vulcanocide" released via BPGD Productions is their first LP in more than 15 years. It is debatable whether an album with an overall runtime of 28 minutes may even be considered an LP or not, but this is the most complete and focused release the band ever put out. It is pretty hard to tell whether the band is a Speed/Thrash Metal act that sounds like a Raw Black Metal band or a Black Metal band with Speed/Thrash attitude. "Vulcanocide" is a noisy, intentionally "bad"-sounding record, but its modus operandi lies aside from Black Metal, closer to such bands as DESTRUCTION and METALLICA. Nevertheless, it occasionally plays around with motives reminding of BATHORY, DARKTHRONE or even IMMORTAL. I would assume such an approach could equally attract or turn away some fans from both scenes, so it is a matter of personal preference.

VULCANT TYRANT had some fun with this record. It is not innovative or exceptional in any way, but most times, it manages to provide its listeners with a sufficient level of enjoyability. The riffs here are pretty standard, but you may hear the guys enjoying themselves shredding out in every song. Some interesting little details pop up here and there throughout the record. Not too many, but there are some. There is a fun psychedelic solo in "Eating Your Mind," an opening riff of "Your Eyes and Ears Will Bleed," which reminded me of BEASTIE BOYS… There is fun to be found in this record; for example, there is some raw sound and "classic" Thrash and Black riffs. If you are tired of the old ways this music was once made or just never been into any of the above-listed bands, you may find it unnecessary to listen to "Vulcanocide," as it is hardly a band to get into the genre with. However, if you're hungry for this kind of metal, this band might as well be what you need.

"Vulcanocide" is a fun project and a fine record. It does the job well, as it provides you with an injection of high-speed metal with a sound dirty enough to make you want to take a shower. However, I dare to argue that VULCAN TYRANT falls into clichés. It does not ruin the overall listening experience per se, but it is just far from feeling fresh. Some people might consider that good news, but I would probably want to hear something a bit more creative and recognizable.

Songwriting: 6
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 5
Production: 6