Take one part early Sepultura with a tinge of Possessed and two parts of
acerbic, war-lusting black metal (Sadistik Exekution, Deströyer 666,
Marduk circa _Panzer Division Marduk_), add a pinch of cannon-fodder,
stir well and allow this smoldering concoction to settle. What you'll
get is the metal warmongery that is Spearhead. Mind you though,
although at an explicit level Spearhead have no regard for your hearing
health whatsoever, there is standout quality here. Compositions are not
tiring and swiftly pass one after the other, due to catchy ideas that
hit the spot and the tight percussion that follows both mid-tempo
deluges and relentless blasting with ease. Adhering to old-school
paradigms, proper solos (and I mean -proper- guitar soloing, not
flaunting six-string wankery) and slower doom-esque parts are artfully
placed within songs to ensure the smooth flow of the album's dynamics.
Production is raw and rough around the edges, and at times the snare
sounds like the drummer's banging a cooking pot, but overall it fits the
bill quite well.
And so, after a long array of self-styled monikers which dub themselves as "war metal", Spearhead pound forth with conviction, rudely taking their place among the genre's higher ranks. To people of a specifically acquired taste, this death-inspired cocktail of tempo changes and clattering riffage that Spearhead manage to churn will definitely find a suitable acceptance.
And so, after a long array of self-styled monikers which dub themselves as "war metal", Spearhead pound forth with conviction, rudely taking their place among the genre's higher ranks. To people of a specifically acquired taste, this death-inspired cocktail of tempo changes and clattering riffage that Spearhead manage to churn will definitely find a suitable acceptance.
(originally written for Chronicles of Chaos - 24/8/2006)
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