TEST
|
TEST
|
THE RECKONING - COUNTERBLAST
SHIVER RECORDS
METAL TO INFINITY
Allow me to announce you The Reckoning as a first class Belgian Death Metal band. A strange way to start a review, I know, but the Belgian Metal scene needs support and plenty of Belgian Metal bands shouldn't be ashamed for what they're doing. I know, bands from Holland have always been more successful and respected but to me Belgium have always contained the best Metal bands! Not that there's a competition between both countries but too often Belgian musicians compare their possibilities with Dutch bands and get depressed by it. On the other hand reviewers are making the same mistake, ignoring the strength of our bands. Belgium has always been strong in extreme Metal, from the eighties until now. Not that Belgium became famous because of it although some eighties bands like Cyclone and Channel Zero are still wanted. Also in traditional Heavy Metal we knew outstanding formations and Ancient Rites is a good example of a first class band from the recent Metal era!
The Reckoning was formed in 1993 under the name of Infernal Legion and these guys always searched for the boundaries of extreme Metal. In those days Infernal Legion was a Black Metal band. During all those years the band got more focused on the technical approaches of Metal which was a main reason to change their name. ''Deathlike Millennia'', The Reckoning's debut, received worldwide good reviews and the fact this is a very technical band, using a very good studio sound, will be the main reason for it.
The opening track of this second CD makes this clear by blowing outrageous riffs and amazingly fast drums out of your speakers. A a matter of fact these ingredients are the red line for the entire CD. I can't really count how many hits on the snare are present on this album, I even doubt if someone can! Not that speed is always important; The Reckoning is progressive enough to change tempi. The Reckoning is brutal and vicious and at some points they even crossed the boundaries of extremity. Nevertheless I hear some outstanding technical guitar riffs and extraordinary solos. Especially at those mid tempo parts The Reckoning makes me enthusiast. The nastiness of these slower parts are mind blowing! To be honest I'm not always into these super fast drum parts...
Overall The Reckoning has an easy job convincing the listeners, especially if they're fans of bands like Morbid Angel, old Kreator, Vader and for example Deicide. This kind of viciousness is wanted, especially in the dark days we're living in. The grunts are fitting perfectly on this kind of music and more than once I even had the feeling listening to Death, still the best Death Metal band to me...
The Reckoning will easily damage your ears and I'm quite sure the 'Scale Of Richter' isn't ready for the earthquake these guys are responsible for. The Reckoning is explosive all over, creating a devastating wall of sound! An international career is, in my opinion, waiting for these guys. The Reckoning is not willing to compromise and their brutal way of playing Metal will be loved or hated. This is the newest generation of Belgian Metal bands and they're ready to write themselves into the Belgian page of Metal history. To me these guys are welcome at for example Graspop Metal Meeting because they're worth playing on those stages. This is one of the most professional Belgian releases I've heard in a long time... My Points: 89/100 (Review by Officer Nice)