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RISE OF TYRANTS
Trauma

Buil2Kill (2014)
Rating: 7/10

This is Italian death metal with a slight difference. Although I’m not often convinced by a majority of death metal bands, Rise Of Tyrants are clearly trying to add a touch of melody and, dare I say it, originality to their sound, and not succumb to too many modern dynamics. The quartet have attracted the attention of numerous labels but the Buil2Kill roster seems to be the best place for their groove-based death metal, which the band feels combines the brutal melody of Pantera with a hint of Swedish and American death metal. I can certainly hear these influences in the brutal structures of opener ‘Never Relent’, which throws in a few curveballs to detract the listener from the usual death metal carnage. For the most part Trauma is a mid-tempo to fast record bolstered by the immense riffs of guitarist Paolo Morosini and Diego Tiraboschi’s angst-ridden growls.

One can’t fail to be impressed by the catchy grooves which litter the record. Just when you think the band are opting for a straightforward pummelling, they suddenly inject a killer riff or a twist in the bass-line. Riccardo Arrigoni has made the bass his own – he is no doubt influenced by producer Alex Azzali, who has worked with Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus, Testament, ex-Death). Mention must also go to the crushing percussion of Virgilio Breda, who truly owns tracks such as ‘Master Of Illusion’.

This is the sort of record that should appeal not to just death metal-mongers but extreme metal fans in general, as there are occasional hints of black metal and even a sprig of hardcore and grindcore. The mix of pace helps too; this is more evident on the likes of ‘To Desecrate’, which becomes quite melodic as it slows and once again features some impressive bass work.

It’s also interesting to note how the band compares some of their riffs to those from At The Gates. I can certainly hear this influence throughout but because the band are so adept at shifting between tempo and structure, it means that one never really has to compare Rise Of Tyrants to anyone. The grooves come quick and fast with the deathly chugs of ‘Death Factory’ and ‘Painted Misery’ keeping the listener guessing with the unusual arrangements.

Trauma is a decent debut record that should put these guys on the map. As long as they keep their sound heavy and not too reliant on the more accessible grooves, then they should find it easy attracting attention from the metal masses.

Neil Arnold

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