Tuesday 6 September 2016

REVIEW: Vader - "Iron Times" EP

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: EP
Date Released: 12/08/2016
Label: Nuclear Blast



Iron Times’ CD//DD track listing:

1. Parabellum (2:28)
2. Prayer To The God Of War (2:47)
3. Piesc I Stal (4:05)
4. Overkill (4:17)

The Review:

Vader, a classic Polish metal band need no introduction. Their thrashing death stylings are well known to most death heads and, as their recent tour with Overkill proved, they crossover well to a more thrash/traditional audience as well. I was somewhat surprised to hear that this EP leans firmly towards the thrash end of their output. Across the four tracks you could be forgiven for thinking you were hearing the latest US thrashers on the block.

Just listen to the opener “Parabellum” for proof. Hyper fast thrash beats, angular riffage... but with those blasts and snaking riffs that scream death metal at you (or growl it, perhaps). Similarly, “Prayer To The God Of War” finds the band in deadly form; fast and furious all the way. Neither of the first two tracks goes close to three minutes, so it is up to “Piesc I Stal” originally by Panzer X to raise the playing time and drop the tempo. What is it about? I don't know as I only speak English! It has a good rolling groove to it and some great lead work (as does the whole album) and marks a change of tack for the band. Great stuff.

This short and spiky EP ends with a cover of “Overkill" by Motorhead, and as expected the band deliver a fast and raucous version. A guitar is used instead of the bass for the well known intro, and the band play it straight thereafter. Still a classic, nearly 40 years after it was first unleashed. Four tracks: two ragers and two covers. A fine stop gap before the next album. Fans will want to check it out. Those new to the band could have a taste here.

‘Iron Times’ is available now


Band info:  facebook

RIYL: Morbid Angel, Decapitated, Hate, Behemoth