Gospel of the Horns
Realm of the Damned
Invictus Productions
2007
After a five
year hiatus, Australia's Gospel of the Horns deliver their second full length
album of blackened thrash. Starting with a somewhat boring "intro" and a
thrashing instrumental, Realm of the Damned sets the bar fairly high for itself.
The first real song, Trial By Power, delivers swift blows as it recklessly
surges forward while Hexx and Masochist slam out guitar solos with abandon!
Death Sentence is more laid back with simple yet effective bass lines that
underscore the nostalgic mood of the song. Meanwhile Retribution marches
along at an even pace with bombastic fist pounding riffs before erupting into a
feverish mind-warp of speed and trilling guitar solos. My favorite song,
Strength Through Fear, though is probably also the most black metal of them all
with its buzzsaw guitar riffing and headlong stampede pacing. These guys
obviously had a good time recording the album as the album is full of energy and
vitality that I am sure translates really well in the live environment.
Howitzer's vocals are foaming as he spits out bile and soaks the lyrics with
rabid hatred. And Speaking of the lyrics, I must say that the lyrics are
outstanding, poetic even. Australia's harsh scene has graced the
underground with so many powerful metal projects and Gospel of the Horns is
another charred entity that lives up to that proud heritage. Most
importantly Realm of the Damned is both deadly serious while at the same time
seeming like it is "fun." Blackened thrash that delivers the goods while
stealing your soul! Now it's just a matter of catching Gospel of the Horns
live for the full effect.