Deathhammer – Electric Warfare
8/10
Norwegian thrash metal duo Deathhammer, consisting of Sergeant Salsten and Sadomancer, exploded on to the underground metal scene in 2006, with legendary demos such as “Barbaric Onslaught” and “Savage Poser Hunt”. Gaining popularity fast as an already infamous act, in 2007 the artwork for famed country men Darkthrone’s album “F.O.A.D.” included a Deathhammer logo in the artwork, even though it would take another three years before the debut record “Phantom Knights” was to be released.
Since 2010, the band has released five full length albums counting this latest piece of metal and in my opinion Deathhammer is one of the most consistant thrash metal bands in the world, both when it comes to quality as well as keeping true to the glory days of metal in both style and appearance.
As the opening track “Savage Aggressor” kicks in, it’s once again clear that Deathhammer are not straying from the path when it comes to delivering high impact thrash metal violence. Clocking in at just under three minutes, this is a real banger in a classic Deathhammer manner, but already on the second track “Crushing The Pearly Gates” we notice something rare when it comes to these speedy norwegians; namely a song that’s over six minutes long! This however works surprisingly well for Deathhammer, as they have a real knack for writing loads of killer riffs and do not get boring even with longer songs.
In fact, so much as five out of the eight tracks on “Electric Warfare” are around 6-7 minutes long, which is very unusual for a band so associated with short, fast thrash metal songs. Nonetheless, everybody can be familiar with the good old Deathhammer sound, there are still shorter and more intense songs, but primarily I truly want to emphasize just how good the longer tracks work. Deathhammer have really stepped up their game when it comes to their song writing and the songs are all very well composed. A little bit more versatile as we get some almost galopping heavy metal sounding parts here and there, as well as fast pace riffing in the classic speed and thrash metal vein.
I knew beforehand this album was going to be awesome, because well, it’s Deathhammer. However, I didn’t know the song writing would take this turn while still remaing true to the original sound. We get three shorter tracks like I mentioned, but the real eye brow raiser so to speak, are that the majority of tracks on this album are twice as long as a standard Deathhammer song. I don’t know if this development is permanent and will be a reality on the bands next record as well, but I personally am quite positive regarding this development, since the songs really have been taken to the next level and seem more organic with greater variation, yet still keeping that full force, uncompromising fist banging, savage thrash metal that Deathhammer are truly masters of.
Very good job!
https://open.spotify.com/album/2zI5FdH00QBtvTcG9D9DK2?si=MNUcbcqBRn2s7Ec3MbFjWw
Artist: Deathhammer
Title: Electric Warfare
Label: Hells Headbangers Records
Date of release: 25/2 2022
Rating: 8/10
Stand out track: Rapid Violence
