Album Type: Full
Length
Date Releaed: 23/9/2014
Label: Self
Release
‘Into
the Aquatic Sector’ CD track listing:
1). The Unknown (01:11)
2). From Beneath the Snow (05:02)
3). Universal Energy (03:13)
4). Operation: Xenomorphic
Protocol (04:05)
5). The Oceanic Prelude (00:42)
6). Subterranean Nightmare
(03:46)
7). Into the Aquatic Centre
(03:59)
8). Depravity (05:05)
The
Band:
Tanner Poppitt | Vocals/Guitar
Alejandro Pelaez | Guitar
Richard Orellana | Bass
Cesar Escobar | Drums
Review:
Among
the bands in the LA metal scene few work and play harder than DIY band Madrost.
They begin their latest record with a nice ambient track that plays to the
science fiction aspect of the record, making for a eerie intro, giving you the
feeling that evil things lurk where the journey is about to take place. The
next track ‘Frozen Beneath the Snow’
starts with some straight up serious heavy riffig and power metal
screams, inspired by the likes of Kai Hansen or John Cyriis open up the track.
Frontman Tanner Poppitt returns to employ his raspy bark vocal style which fits
the music quite well. Different elements of metal appear right from the
beginning to the end of this record, blast beats, tremolo picking and thrash
inspired riffs are all over the place as the band explores where it can take
its sound.
The
most immediately noticeable element is the development of style on behalf of
the band which has resulted in a mature sound. Their last release ‘Maleficent’, featured a different
line up but front man Tanner Poppitt returns and seems to have worked hard with
this line up as both live and on record they are making waves. Drumming
overall on the album is fitting and confident, it can be said that the addition
of Cesar Escobar behind the kit was an excellent choice for Madrost, his
powerful presence and consistency speaks for itself and It seems has found the
sweet spot in which his beats demand attention on every track. Ror me his drumming was impeccable on this
record.
The
third track ‘Universal Energy’
features straight to the point riffing fury that Madrost listeners will be used
to by now, but with an added twist, including a memorable chorus that you may
find yourself singing along to. The following track ‘Operation Xenomorphic Protocol’ is my personal favorite on the
record, filled with tempo changes and heavy riffs and even harmonies, this track
simply just kills. The track is more on the death metal side of things and you
will hear no complaints from me, however towards the end of the track I feel
the record reaches its climax, a solo delivered by guitarist Alejandro Pelaez
comes in, amazingly tasteful and melodic solo, joined in harmony by Frontman
Tanner Poppitt's guitar which makes for an epic moment on this record. I found
myself hitting rewind at least 7 or 8 times to hear it again over and over
again as for that moment everything came together perfectly.
Come
out of the solo and you are hit with a very Dark Angel-esque style riff, which is
very awesome to hear, followed up with some Death inspired riffs too. ‘The Oceanic Prelude’ follows with a
very nice soothing classical style guitar, reminiscent of Lord Belial's work in
the past, which serves as an introduction to the next track ‘Subterranean Nightmare’. Again
when the band is playing together and is hitting the listener with these bone
crushing riffs everything is taken to a higher level of heaviness by the solid
and consistent drumming of Cesar Escobar, whose double pedal work is intense
and some of the best I have heard in a while from an underground band.
The
end of ‘Subterranean Nightmare’ includes
some very nice bass fills by Richard Orellana who's on live stage presence is
top notch, Madrost brings this same intensity that you hear on record to the
stage as well.
Closing
out the album with ‘Into the
Aquatic Sector’, whose chorus is going to be sticking in your head for some
time, it may even have you joining in with the band. The end of the track has a
very Death inspired moment that is very progressive and very fitting for the
moment, as the next track ‘Depravity’
starts again, with in your face death metal style riffing and blast beats which
makes for a solid song to wrap up the album.
Overall
‘Into the Aquatic Sector’ is a
very promising and solid album which is more proof that DIY projects are
reaching a point where they are just as good as record label funded records
which deserves much applause as DIY bands. Madrost is playing shows left and
right in the LA metal scene and have made quite a name for themselves. On stage
they are killer and will have you headbanging right along with them. Something
tells me that we have not heard the best of Madrost yet, which makes me excited
for what is to come. This Line up seems
to be one that has plenty of promise and talent and already delivering great
material such as this latest release. Madrost have delivered ‘Into the Aquatic Sector’, who knows
where they will take us next? I know I will be eagerly waiting for the answer.
If Madrost come to a town near you, be there, you will not be disappointed.
Words by:
Frank Heredia
You
can pick up a copy here
For
more information:
