Somewhere in that realm between heavy metal and the underground metal to come, where Venom and Necromonicon dwelled, some bands planted a foot and stayed despite the evolution of the form. This allowed metal to branch, and it should probably be argued that this is a different genre, much as Possessed is “not quite” death metal.

Songs follow the verse/chorus with some “event” — turnaround, detour, contrast transition — but essentially focus on catchy riffs that use expectation-based syncopated rhythm in the downstroke texture of the guitars. As Pantera was not quite evolved to Slayer, this does not join Immortal et al. in modern black metal.

If you can imagine something that is 25% Sarcofago, 50% Venom, and 25% Hellhammer, this band falls roughly into that category. Speed metal technique predominates whenever possible but some quality riffs shine through, and songs are organized and efficient, making it the opposite of pretty much every demo that arrives at a review heap.

Vocals carry a rancid, acidic, and scornful 1990s tone as well, sounding almost like something a grunge band would do, but fortunately do not attempt to carry each song, placing one more foot in the underground: guitars lead drums and vocals here. This promising return from a new old band gives Udo fans a way to enjoy black metal.

Tags: baxaxaxa, Black Metal, Heavy Metal