Der Metal Krieger Let's make this world metal shall we?
Band: Nekrogoblikon
Album: Stench
Release: July 19, 2011
Genre: Melodic Death/Folk Metal
Label: Goblin Records (Unsigned)
Metal and mythology have long been fused together to create a plethora of musical experiences–some good, some bad. Amon Amarth, Finntroll, and Rhapsody of Fire are just a few examples of excellent bands that drive their music with mythology and the tales of old, whether it be songs about Viking victories, Suomi-themed chants, or epic original stories about dragons and ancient lands. There is a craft to be learned when combining articulated instrumentation with imaginative storylines. This is no easy task as there are many examples of bands that fail to live up to the music they tried to create. This review is about a band from Los Angeles, that plays in this arena of music. Were they successful or did they fail? Let’s find out.
The band in question is Nekrogoblikon, a name that is sure to grab attention.
With it’s dark and demented sound and clear influence from the goblins, I couldn’t resist but have a listen. Samples of their debut 2007 album, Goblin Island, were floating around on YouTube and I was instantly hooked. They incorporated heavy riffs, intricate solos, and entertaining lyrics, which was more than enough to cause me to order a copy of their latest release, Stench. The album seems to continue and expand on the storyline from Goblin Island–Goblins coming from space to decimate the human race. Let it begin!
Stench features vocalist Nicholas Von Doom, Alex Alereza and Timbus on guitars, Austin Nickel on bass, Eddie Trager on drums, and Anthony DeLorenzi on the keyboard. The first track “No One Survives” starts off with this deep-menacing chant leads the song into a fast-paced aggressive riff accompanied by subtle yet pleasing keyboard synths. It perfectly demonstrates Nicholas Von Doom’s unique vocal style, with his shrill shrieks and gruesome growls. Tracks like “Goblin Box” “A Feast” and “The Plague” are perfect songs for fans of Folk Metal as evident by their use of Accordion tracks, and upbeat folk melodies, and epic atmospheres while “The Bog” and “Invasion” can satisfy any Melodic Death Metal junkie.
The exuberant nature of the album is asking for something that standard Metal instruments cannot provide which is why the use of electronic dance beats in a few songs like “Nekropolis” is very effective. It serves as a break from the epic battering of Eddie on the drums and the almost jig-worthy guitar melodies. “Return to the Sky (From Whence You Came)” is a mixture of Melodic Death grooves and a Ballad-like chorus, with its grandiose atmosphere, and expansive vocalizations. The most characteristic track on the entire album would have to be “Bears.” Evil bears roam the devastated plains of the Earth eating everything that stands in their way. Only the goblins coexist with the ferocious bear. This is either a stroke of genius or mundane madness!
What more is there to say about this solid release from Nekrogoblikon? Take the bloodthirsty goblin voice of Nick Von Doom and mix it with his skilled entourage of goblin musicians and you get fun, upbeat, and invigorating tunes to metal out too. They may not have the mythological complexities as the Folk Metal forerunners but that gives them a bit of extra appeal. They are different in a refreshing way with their almost parodic storyline complimented with fantastic Metal. Finish your mead and hit the next mosh that these guys start up!
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