Bütcher - On Fowl of Tyrant Wing ★★★☆☆

What is it with Belgium and Thrash Metal on Speed? Brother to Evil Invaders, Bütcher lashes out uncontrollably - and you'll love it!

   THRASH-O-METER

★★★☆☆ SONGWRITING

★★☆☆☆ THEMES

★★☆☆☆ LONGEVITY

★★★☆☆ PRODUCTION

★★★★☆ THRASHABILITY

SCORE:

★★★☆☆ GOOD SH!T

(decimals are for weaklings)

Genre: THRASH METAL

Release Date: OCTOBER 25th, 2024

Label: OSMOSE RECORDS

Bütcher's latest slapped hard - so hard in fact, that I prolly listened to it too much because it became rather evident that it would've benefitted from a focus to pacing. Almost straight off with Speed Metal Samurai its clear what you're in for: shred a'plenty as you forgo any kind of semblance to acceleration.

It's full speed or bust!

There's heaps going on the tracks as the appropriately named vocalist's, R Hellshriek, infernal shrieks and theatrics drill into your skull. Paired with what could be to most energetic drummer in the biz, R Voidsmasher, you will feel spent. One song almost feels like two. It is relentless - and you love every second of it.

This is fast without resorting to actual BPM craze. The Thrashability is strong with this one. Everyone in the band seems to want to put a show by themselves, and miraculously, everything comes across as coherent madness.

Arguably what is the album's strength becomes its weakness. An Ending in Fyre is perhaps expectedly different as its the last one on the album, but what the On Fowl of Tyrant Wing needs is pacing, a rhythm to the ride, because whats a rollercoaster without its ups and downs?

The album is top heavy

First half of the album is kin to a crack of a whip. The latter half is considerably... considerate.

Songs become more classically structured with bridge sections stitching into the choruses, and repeat. Peaking with Keep the Steele (Flamin' Hot) the initial rush act feels like its plain mushed together. The last 3 songs on the album are longer than the first 5. A change of pace indeed. Makes the whole feel unbalanced and the end does drag its feet.

Listening this you'll notice yearning for a riveted leather vest. Old school Speed Metal antics through and through, with a delicious twist of Black Metal. A properly invigorating album that unfortunately feels like a half of the gallop.

   KEY TO THE SH!T

★★★★★ THE REAL SH!T

★★★★☆ BADASS SH!T

★★★☆☆ GOOD SH!T

★★☆☆☆ SH!T FOR FANS

★☆☆☆☆ IT'S SH!T, JIM