Carry the Beast
Review by: Jim Harrison
RATING: 9
Nocturnal Breed is a extreme blackened thrash band from Norway who will release their anticipated seventh full length album Carry the Beast, through Dark Essence Records. This album is a cornucopia of thrash, black metal, doom and has a hint of a punk vibe as well. Members S.A Destroyer, I. Maztor and Tex Terror make up this talented three piece. From their previous albums they have stayed the course just tweaking their sound making it unmistakably original but bringing a base of an old school thrash direction. This album brings a darker, raw sound that makes this record so appealing.
The album starts with a spooky, doom sounding title track that gets you ready for what’s waiting. Vocalist S.A Destroyer’s voice sends this track in an ominous direction. Second track, Thrash Metal Hate Saw (The Last Act of Terror) is one of my favourite songs on the album. This is reminiscent of some old school thrash, fast and loud. Maztor’s guitar playing rips perfectly with Destroyers Voice and the heavy drum pounding by Tex Terror meshes the song perfectly. This is the second track set for early release on June 9, 2023 and I predict will be a fan favourite. Track three is the first early release, Knights of Denim (May 12) This is an awesome teaser getting fans excited for the album release and I can bet they will pick up many new listeners with this killer track. Projecting a solid thrash sound this would be a great live. Salt In the Wounds keeps the brutality going pushing more of a doom sound with some fantastic guitar riffs. Atomic Cruiser slows the tempo down but keeps inline with the darker parts of this album. This track fits perfectly in the middle of the record and the chanting echo on the vocals are a cool effect. Raise the Flag…and the Hordes Will Follow pushes the darker thrash sound to the limit, this is a cool song. Destroyer’s vocals are showcased on this track. The next two songs are Nosforata and Lady Vampire, bring a definite horror theme. Lady Vampire has a great melody and would be another great live track. The guitar and the drums stand out and this is another favourite of mine. The album closes out on a high with I Ain’t Marching. This has a punk vibe plus I get kind of a Motörhead feel as Destroyer’s voice has that Lemmy growl. This will be another fan favourite.
The album also includes three bonus tracks that I can only describe as three separate horror films put to music. Dark, original and meant to be played on a loud quality system. The sound is phenomenal. The bonus track Blitzhammer is what metal is all about, brutality at its best.
This album is a must for metal fans who are looking for a complete package of well crafted songs, first rate musicianship and superior vocals.
I recommend checking this out.
S.A Destroyer: Vocal / bass
I Maztor: Lead guitar
Tex Terror: Drums