CD Review: Re-armed - Worldwide Hypnotize

Written by Colin McNamara Friday, 27 January 2012 09:10

Artist: Re-armed
Title: Worldwide Hypnotize
Genre: Death Metal
Release Date: 27th January 2012
Label: Massacre Records

Album Review

‘Worldwide Hypnotize’ is RE-ARMED’s debut, but RE-ARMED themselves are far from being “a small fry”. The Finnish group has been together since 2001 and has constantly put out a stream of demos over the years, staying underground and honing their talents. Now, feeling comfortable with their style, they’ve broken into the light with a ferocious slab of rather rhythmic Death Metal. Some of the tracks here like ‘Natural Blacklash’ are brutal and uncompromising with churning rhythms and quick riffs, sound similar to bands like TANK with death growls and a bit of a Thrash base to the music. Other tracks like ‘Feardrops’ and the title track are more RE-ARMED’s typical style, throwing in a bit more melody and almost on the brink of fully being considered Melodic Death Metal. However, by today’s standards, it may be not quite be considered that as usually the subgenre is infused with keyboards, a mix of clean vocals, and other things that have long since changed the early AT THE GATES standard that was set long ago.

If there was anything close to current Melodic Death Metal expectations, then ‘Deathtrap’ would have it. In the middle of the track there is a fantastic section of melody which is slow, harmonic and just the guitars alone before building into the solo. Fans of groups like DARK TRANQUILLITY or IN FLAMES will certainly latch on to this and find some commonalities within the band. However, don’t expect many moments like these on the album as it is more cutting edge and crushing with its Thrashy tones; tracks like ‘King Authority’ just slice right though with its brutality. The only downside to this album is the production on the vocals isn’t the clearest so sometimes it can get lost in the fold but it completely suits the tone of the instruments that it is paired with. Most Death Metal fans will easily be able to gravitate towards this, as there are a decent mix of tracks to both head bang to and also some to just appreciate musical theory and skill as opposed to just hammering out chords and bellowing into a microphone as a way to find something to vent to.


Tracklist

01. Natural Backlash
02. Worldwide Hypnotize
03. Feardrops
04. Save Yourself
05. The Bridge That Leads Nowhere
06. Deathtrap
07. King Authority (Honor to Serve)
08. Hoax
09. Trance


Line-up

Jouni Matilainen- Vocals
Tommi Helkalahti- Lead Guitar
Kärtsy Hatakka- Bass Guitar
Mart Mardisalu- Drums
Markus Salo- Guitar


Website

http://www.re-armed.net/


Cover Picture




Rating

Sound: 7
Music: 8
Total: 7.5 / 10