DETHONATOR – Race Against the Sun: Part 1

Britain’s Dethonator have spent three years writing a collection of songs loosely themed around classic horror and described as “….the most accomplished, vibrant and diverse collection of music that we have ever recorded.” The band’s diverse influences include Iron Maiden, Metallica, Arch Enemy, Pantera, Slayer, Lamb Of God, Dream Theater, Amon Amarth, Immortal, Nightwish, and Iced Earth.

Opener “When Lucifer Fell” is a hook laden Traditional Metal anthem sure to strike a complementary vibe for any fan.  Noteworthy is the use of creative bridges and guitar solos.  This talent proves to be the rule rather than the exception throughout. “Nightmare City” and “Burial Ground” follow and quickly dispel any notion that this album is a tribute to Old School Metal.  Instead, these aggressive songs blend both Traditional and Progressive Metal elements demonstrating accomplished musicianship with vibrant textures and genre spanning diversity. The vocals aren’t exceptionally strong and tend to be delivered in a sing-song style that wears thin.  “Ghost Of The Rolling Horizon” is good example of this. This song otherwise shares similarities to the Pirate Metal stylings of Running Wild. “Ulflag” is a standout track sharing a Viking warrior theme, heavy melodic riffs and death growls associated with Amon Amarth.  Death growls make another appearance during “Narcisside” while adding in Pantera-esque bursts of guitar, a variety of Prog metal bridges, and pinch harmonics.  “Terror By Night” is another curious blend of styles which works well.  While sounding similar to Blind Guardian, Dethonator deftly adds a death growl chorus and Prog Metal complexity.  Closer “Sharp’s Cairn” has a catchy opening riff immediately hooking the listener. Sing song vocals push the song towards mediocrity, but the opening riff is tagged often enough to redeem it.

The song writing on Race Against the Sun: Part 1 features an excellent blending of styles.  Songs are loaded with thoughtful and well played Progressive, Power and Melodic Death Metal elements. Dethonator state they have enough material for a double album.  Enjoy Part 1 now while you wait for Part 2 to be released with the next year.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

TRACKLIST (Highlights: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10)

1. When Lucifer Fell
2. Nightmare City
3. Burial Ground
4. Ulflag
5. Ghost of the Rolling Horizon
6. Pyroclastic
7. The Hangman
8. Narcisside
9. Terror By Night
10. Sharp’s Cairn

LINEUP

Tris Lineker – Guitar and Vocals,
Henry Brooks – Guitar and Vocals,
Adam Lineker – Bass and Dethvox,
John Armstrong – Drums