Review Summary: It's still loud, it's still heavy, and it's still definitely Vader
Vader is a puzzling group. While their music isn't deep or profound, they have still managed to stay together all these years and constantly release consistent sounding albums. The group has never really bothered changing their sound, yet they still are enjoyable to listen to for the most part. It's truly amazing how bands like Slayer and Metallica, who have been around just as long, have slowly declined over the years, but Vader still seems to be able to stand up tall amongst the likes of today's metal.
When I picked up this album, I wasn't essentially expecting anything new. After listening to a few of their albums, I had become well acquainted with their sound: whammy bar eccentric guitar playing, fast blast-beat drumming, and Peter's distinct growl. So why is this album rated so high? That's where the puzzlement comes in.
Everything on this album has been done before by Vader and other groups, but it seems that the one element that Vader executes in this album is...fun. Simply put, this album is just a head banging frenzy. Opening up with the songs Devilizer, Rise of the Undead, and Never Say My Name, the band kicks off the album with a highly energetic start that continues throughout the rest of the album. Vader also has added syncopation and varied rhythms throughout their songs, notably Blast.
Necropolis also can't go through any song without solos akin to early Morbid Angel or Slayer, but they still are enjoyable to listen to. The drumming is fast and intense, with cymbal crashing and rapid fire blast beats. Then of course are the vocals. One of the many unique facets to Vader has been the vocals. And while on other albums Peter's vocals may have been drawn out or just simply boring, on this album they work.
To be objective, this album isn't without flaws. The two interludes in the album are pointless and do nothing more but extend the length of the album. At some points later in the album the songs begin to rehash similar riff patterns and start blending together. And sometimes the lyrics and vocals become incredibly corny. (Listen to Summoning the Futura)
Overall though, Vader has served up another fine slab of death metal that breaks no boundaries, sets no new precedents, but is still just pure, energetic, neck pain inducing fun. While their music has never been progressive in any sense, it still has always been enjoyable to listen to, and this album is no different.
Recommended Tracks:
Never Say My Name
Blast
