December Wolves Blasterpiece Theatre
15 April 2002 Earache/Wicked World WICK07CD
By Russell Garwood
December Wolves third album marks a distinct change in direction from their earlier efforts. Whereas the first two were black metal-tinged thrash, Blasterpiece Theatre is an intriguing step forward into uncharted territory. Combining metal with a wide variety of samples reminiscent of Colourbox, well dispersed electronics and programming, December Wolves are ambitiously trying to push the boundaries of more traditional metal and succeeding.
Warning, containing only samples, lets you know just what youre in for, and any doubt is eradicated by the intro of Desperately Seeking Satan. Next, April Fools Day is excellent, managing to cram numerous effects and the normal instrumentation into three minutes, ending with some disconcerting effects. Public Aquarian Freebase, track seven, is another standout, opening with eerie voices and someone crying in the background, leading into mechanical blast beats and noises galore. Disclaimer, while less than two minutes long, conjures up nightmarish images through discords under a seemingly normal voice talking of murder.
While much of Blasterpiece Theatre follows the same formula; opening and closing samples with harsh music in-between, there is variation and the album doesnt drag. Lyrically, much of the music is very dark, a feeling extenuated by the well-placed effects. Overall an entertaining, rewarding and original album, Blasterpiece Theatre is not easy listening by any means, but is refreshingly experimental. If you are looking for something new or slightly out of the ordinary, December Wolves would be a great place to start.
15 April 2002 Earache/Wicked World WICK07CD
By Russell Garwood
December Wolves third album marks a distinct change in direction from their earlier efforts. Whereas the first two were black metal-tinged thrash, Blasterpiece Theatre is an intriguing step forward into uncharted territory. Combining metal with a wide variety of samples reminiscent of Colourbox, well dispersed electronics and programming, December Wolves are ambitiously trying to push the boundaries of more traditional metal and succeeding.
Warning, containing only samples, lets you know just what youre in for, and any doubt is eradicated by the intro of Desperately Seeking Satan. Next, April Fools Day is excellent, managing to cram numerous effects and the normal instrumentation into three minutes, ending with some disconcerting effects. Public Aquarian Freebase, track seven, is another standout, opening with eerie voices and someone crying in the background, leading into mechanical blast beats and noises galore. Disclaimer, while less than two minutes long, conjures up nightmarish images through discords under a seemingly normal voice talking of murder.
While much of Blasterpiece Theatre follows the same formula; opening and closing samples with harsh music in-between, there is variation and the album doesnt drag. Lyrically, much of the music is very dark, a feeling extenuated by the well-placed effects. Overall an entertaining, rewarding and original album, Blasterpiece Theatre is not easy listening by any means, but is refreshingly experimental. If you are looking for something new or slightly out of the ordinary, December Wolves would be a great place to start.
