Thor's Hammer
Fidelity Shall Triumph
[Darker than Black]
Graveland is a brilliant band, IMO, and I was really interested to hear what
Capricornus would have to offer with his new fist-in-the-arse-of-democracy.
Now that I've awaken from the deep sleep induced by this record, here's the
review.
Honestly, the album isn't that bad; it's just extremely boring, bland, and overall is nothing that you should spend any money on. The drums are very basic and aren't in the typical Graveland style that you might expect. The guitar work is also extremely basic as well. Capricornus also has an interesting vocal style; it's a lower pitched kind of yell that sounds as if he's trying to pass a toolbox through his rectum. Overall, it adds a very "underground" feel to the record. There's also a bit of synth work here and there to add some atmosphere.
The style changes a bit from song to song, from thrashy, old-school material (like the title track), to more of an atmospheric approach such as the song "Surtr Ferr Sunnam." I'd really like to expound further on the music, but I just can't. It's all too generic to be of any worth, and ultimately doesn't make much of an impression. There are a few good moments, however, that show that some potential does lurk within Thor's Hammer. Perhaps with a bit more work Capricornus can really produce a memorable record, but this just isn't going to do it.
Of course, more than enough people will probably love this just for the sheer joy of kissing the ass of a project connected with Graveland. My opinion is this - if you can get a dub of this record through tape-trading, that's probably the best thing to do. Save your money for something better, like the next Graveland album (whenever the hell that'll be coming out) or Lord Wind.
On a final note, what does Capricornus say at the beginning of the title track? If I'm not mistaken, it sounds something like "IT'S THE PAGAN POWER METAL ATTACK!!!" Heh.
© 1998 baalberith
Honestly, the album isn't that bad; it's just extremely boring, bland, and overall is nothing that you should spend any money on. The drums are very basic and aren't in the typical Graveland style that you might expect. The guitar work is also extremely basic as well. Capricornus also has an interesting vocal style; it's a lower pitched kind of yell that sounds as if he's trying to pass a toolbox through his rectum. Overall, it adds a very "underground" feel to the record. There's also a bit of synth work here and there to add some atmosphere.
The style changes a bit from song to song, from thrashy, old-school material (like the title track), to more of an atmospheric approach such as the song "Surtr Ferr Sunnam." I'd really like to expound further on the music, but I just can't. It's all too generic to be of any worth, and ultimately doesn't make much of an impression. There are a few good moments, however, that show that some potential does lurk within Thor's Hammer. Perhaps with a bit more work Capricornus can really produce a memorable record, but this just isn't going to do it.
Of course, more than enough people will probably love this just for the sheer joy of kissing the ass of a project connected with Graveland. My opinion is this - if you can get a dub of this record through tape-trading, that's probably the best thing to do. Save your money for something better, like the next Graveland album (whenever the hell that'll be coming out) or Lord Wind.
On a final note, what does Capricornus say at the beginning of the title track? If I'm not mistaken, it sounds something like "IT'S THE PAGAN POWER METAL ATTACK!!!" Heh.
© 1998 baalberith