CD Review: Tantara - Based On Evil

Written by Ricarda Menn Tuesday, 02 October 2012 12:15

Artist: Tantara
Title: Based On Evil
Genre: Old School Thrash Metal
Release Date: 24th August 2012
Label: Indie Recordings

Album Review

TANTARA is a Norwegian Thrash Metal band, formed in 2009 with the goal of spreading Old School Metal without any compromise. Their first EP, ‘Human Notion’, was released in 2010 and was highly acclaimed all over the world. In 2011, they set forth to record their debut album ‘Based On Evil’, produced and mastered by Flemming Rasmussen (Rainbow, Metallica, Morbid Angel et.al.).

With ‘Based On Evil’, TANTARA present a very strong and solid debut record. Stile-wise, they are clearly influenced by bands like Heathen, Nuclear Assault, Slayer and comparable bands. They sound as if coming directly from the 1980s, but also add a modern and very personal touch to their music. The opener and title-track ‘Based On Evil’ combines slower riffs with speedy parts, catchy guitar solos and very remarkable, unique vocals. No song on the album is shorter than six minutes, the structures are neither too complex not too simple. Therefore, the album is easy to indulge but also offers new impressions after several turns. ‘Mass Murder’ includes very hateful and harsh vocals, group shouts in the chorus as well as very driving and energetic drums.

The following ‘Negligible Souls’ is very fast forward and Speed Metal influenced, ‘The Debate’ starts off with an acoustic-sounding guitar tune and a very dark atmosphere. The lyrics are very profound, offer room for own interpretations and add a critical dimension to the music. The instrumentation is very demanding and artistic, melody and speed go hand in hand. ‘Prejudice Of Violence’ is the longest song of the album with almost ten minutes playtime. Yet, a lot of diversity is offered. In general, the track-list does not schedule any songs of lower qualities; the eight included ones are very dynamic and remarkable. ‘Based On Evil’ is a very felicitous record that should please fans of Old School Thrash Metal and good Metal. Even though the band’s influences cannot be overheard or neglected, they add their personal style and it will be interesting to observe how this young band will develop over the time. Highly recommended!


Tracklist

01. Based On Evil
02. Mass Murder
03. Negligible Souls
04. The Debate
05. Human Mutation
06. Trapped In Bodies
07. Prejudice Of Violence
08. Killing Of Mother Earth


Line-up

Fredrik Bjerkø – Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
Per Semb – Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Stian Sannerud – Drums
Max Warnby – Bass


Website

www.facebook.com/TantaraThrash / www.myspace.com/tantaraband


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10