Black Mass – “Warlust”
When Andy and I started this site eight years ago, just out of college- I mean, just when we were eligible for social security- I had never heard of
the term “thrash metal” before.
Though, Andy being five years younger than I (since I’ve known him and surprisingly, that continues to this day), grew up on metal in his teenage years,
while for me it was the glitter/glam of Alice Cooper, David Bowie and Lou Reed-
I had little experience with metal only appreciating the glam metal or “hair metal” of eighties bands like Motley Crue, L.A. Guns and Poison. I could relate
to these bands because of their obvious influence of bands like the New York Dolls, Slade and Sweet.
But when I first became aware of thrash I loved it as it reminded me of punk with all its’ energy and speed.
And though, nowadays I’m most impressed with bands that play power violence and d-beat (mainly because, though metal sounding to my ears they incorporate
the brevity, abrasiveness and energy of early punk, as well as making the most disagreeable sounds to conventional ears around, much like punk was in its’
early days), I still have a love of thrash metal.
And Black Mass is the best band in New England, that I know of, that plays that style. They’ve been around now, for a while, and maybe those of you, more
in the know, could disagree with that statement.
But I disagree with you if you don’t think that they are at least worthy of that nomination.
Let’s give a quick listen and see how it all thrashes and bangs:
“Warlust” strikes out like a cobra bite going up your spine with a thrashing/hardcore rhythm blasting faster than the speed of light with the rhythm guitar
going faster than the eye can see. “Our world is a whore. Humanity is her infection. In ignorant bliss we crawl through the darkness each day.” Just sounds
like the usual morning commute into Boston, to me. “The blood fills the streets from war bringing death and destruction. And the streets turn to dust as
bombs blow your family away.” Yes, I guess there’s always a silver lining. But really the energy and the excitement accelerates until the song finally
evaporates with a grunt. Great tune.
After a flailing, funky, smashing, spunky intro “High Priest In Black” kicks in with a rhythm that sounds like a race car at the Indy 500. There’s a doomy,
guitar lick that races along side it that is followed by an intense breakdown. The guitar plays a staggered, blues rhythm until the song accelerates, once
again into pure musical ecstasy/oblivion. Then what follows is a tightrope dancing, great guitar solo that leads into a pounding, explosive ending of this
awesome song.
“Graveyard” starts with, “When your heart’s feeling dead and they’ve gotten to your head. You’ll probably find yourself there. Looking for ways to escape
from this maze. Fucked up on liquor and beer.” Well, that’s where it seems I’ve landed but I thought it was because I’m doing reviews for Thrash N’ Bang!
Here’s another thrashin’, rockin’ number with vocals that mix growly, hardcore vocals with conventional metal ones and with rhythms that slash and propel
towards what could easily be called punk or rock’n’roll. Another tremendous, guitar solo leads this song into an even more rockin’ part. This song may
evoke graveyards, but is so full of emotion, energy and life- that it is anything but.
“Fueled By Drugs” has a title that I can’t condone but it does have a great riff and groove that suggests a collaboration between Motorhead and Uriah Heep,
and that’s something I can endorse. And a boogie blues beat in the rhythm that makes me think of the song “Radar Love” by Golden Earring can’t hurt, either.
Lots of great, passionate playing on this song and on the whole album, as well.
Black Mass are not Satanists or devotees of Whitey Bulger (the movie by the same name).
But they are a band that combines the energy of punk and hardcore with the demolishing, propulsive hammer like riffs of metal that ultimately, all of
the best thrash bands produce.
And as they thrash n’ bang away on their instruments to create this great album, I salute them! I tip my (non-existent) hat to them.
And I’m so glad they took my recommendation to not call their album “Walrus” and instead, they settled on “Warlust”.
I can only add, if you want power and passion, energy and exuberance in your music-
Just ascend these steps that leads you up the path, the way into their musical church.
Black Mass is awaiting you.
(Slimedog)
