DEAF RAT – Ban The Light

Sweden’s Deaf Rat describe their sound as broad, dirty, and dark with strong melodies and massive guitar riffs “that fills up the cracks in the aging concrete between Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Guns N’ Roses and Pantera.” They’ve sought to translate the pyro heavy energy of their live show to their first full length album.

The band achieved their goal in the first half. “Fallen Angels” and “Ban The Light” deliver fearless riffing and confident vocals. The riff-heavy dark textures, driving tempos, and melodically rich choruses combine to hook at multiple angles. “Hail The End Of Days” and “Save Me From Myself” are vocal driven. The melodic lyrics are delivered cleanly with range, power and well-placed backing vocals to carry the songs with great effect. All of the aforementioned songs contain sufficient quality guitar passages to maintain momentum and energy.

Unfortunately, the remainder of the songs are musically underdeveloped. A reliance on place holding riffs leaves listeners disengaged between lyric passages. The ballad “Bad Blood” illustrates this effect. It’s a gentle cello and acoustic guitar number wherein neither plays anything melodically interesting. Zakk Wylde might color outside the lines with excessive pinch harmonics, but these tunes beg for it. Is there a guitar in the house? Bueller? Bueller?

Despite the shortcomings, Ban The Light is front-loaded with outstanding tunes. The vocalist is strong and delivers great melody. They write hook-heavy lyrics and memorable choruses. Their challenge is to match their melodic panache with equally inspired musicianship.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 1, 2, 4, 5)

1. Fallen Angels
2. Hail The End Of Days
3. Tying You Down
4. Save Me From Myself
5. Ban The Light
6. Bad Blood
7. Make You Suffer
8. Say You Love Me
9. Wanted Forever
10. Welcome To Hell

(00:45:24)

LINEUP

Frankie Rich (Vocals)
Pat Kramer (Guitars/Vocals)
Max Lander (Guitars/Vocals)
Nic Lester (Bass)
Karl Löfgren (Drums)