Demonoid Riders of the Apocalypse
Nuclear Blast Records October 5th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
I must confess: I didnt see this one coming at all. What has essentially blindsided me is Demonoids Riders of the Apocalypse. If you do the least bit of research, youll probably encounter information stating that the aforementioned contains former and current members of perennial-metallers Therion. Well, Im proof that you dont need to idolize Therion to enjoy Riders of the Apocalypse. The latter is rewarding in its own right.
Were led into Wargods with entrancing drums, then death hits soon afterwards. The 1:00 minute mark brings a fantastic, harmonious lead that is anything but dull. The riffage within Riders of the Apocalypse is nothing short of mesmerizing. From the get-go, its decipherable that incomparable musicianship inhabits the disc as well. Firestorms begins with excellent vocalizations, and those arresting riffs return; the instrumental sections, like most other parts of this record, are very captivating. Witchburners follows and is seemingly drab until the proverbial 1:00 minute mark, where variation both in guitar and drums elevates the songs overall presence and worth. 14th Century Plague utilizes a tranquil beginning, but musters enough strength to obtain heaviness soon after its inception. The track plods along a predictable course for most of its useless length. Fortunately, it soon segues into the superior Hunger My Consort. Parts of the latter remind me of a heavier Strapping Young Lad. Out of nowhere, though, (2:40) the band delve into Opeth territory with their juxtaposition of heavy and soft; its a nice insertion. Arrival of the Horsemen builds to a crescendo and is subsequently gripping through its unparalleled riffing and superb outro. End of Our Times and Death are fitting ends to what began with Wargods.
Though Riders of the Apocalypse is not a perfect record, it succeeds insomuch that its accessibility compels me to listen. Seriously, this is great stuff. Arguably this is the finest release from Nuclear Blast Records this year. And from Demonoid who knew?!
9/10
Ultimatemetals Interview with Demonoid
Official Nuclear Blast Records website
Nuclear Blast Records October 5th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
I must confess: I didnt see this one coming at all. What has essentially blindsided me is Demonoids Riders of the Apocalypse. If you do the least bit of research, youll probably encounter information stating that the aforementioned contains former and current members of perennial-metallers Therion. Well, Im proof that you dont need to idolize Therion to enjoy Riders of the Apocalypse. The latter is rewarding in its own right.
Were led into Wargods with entrancing drums, then death hits soon afterwards. The 1:00 minute mark brings a fantastic, harmonious lead that is anything but dull. The riffage within Riders of the Apocalypse is nothing short of mesmerizing. From the get-go, its decipherable that incomparable musicianship inhabits the disc as well. Firestorms begins with excellent vocalizations, and those arresting riffs return; the instrumental sections, like most other parts of this record, are very captivating. Witchburners follows and is seemingly drab until the proverbial 1:00 minute mark, where variation both in guitar and drums elevates the songs overall presence and worth. 14th Century Plague utilizes a tranquil beginning, but musters enough strength to obtain heaviness soon after its inception. The track plods along a predictable course for most of its useless length. Fortunately, it soon segues into the superior Hunger My Consort. Parts of the latter remind me of a heavier Strapping Young Lad. Out of nowhere, though, (2:40) the band delve into Opeth territory with their juxtaposition of heavy and soft; its a nice insertion. Arrival of the Horsemen builds to a crescendo and is subsequently gripping through its unparalleled riffing and superb outro. End of Our Times and Death are fitting ends to what began with Wargods.
Though Riders of the Apocalypse is not a perfect record, it succeeds insomuch that its accessibility compels me to listen. Seriously, this is great stuff. Arguably this is the finest release from Nuclear Blast Records this year. And from Demonoid who knew?!
9/10
Ultimatemetals Interview with Demonoid
Official Nuclear Blast Records website
