TEMPLAR - Knights Of Nuclear Hell Decibelfucking The Charred Remains Of The Christ

Released October 31/18 (Bandcamp)

In one of the most deranged displays of vocal calisthenics that this reviewer has come across in his close to 50 years of heavy metal consumption, Templar's Knights Of Nuclear Hell Decibelfucking The Charred Remains Of The Christ is certainly targeted for the battle hardened metal extremist. The core vox here is an effective strangled rasp, but is dotted throughout with a number of disparate expulsions. There's an off-kilter croak similar to what Fenriz (Darkthrone) uses on his trad metal tracks, double layered torturous screaming/wailing, Tom G. Warrior grunts, as well as what could best be described as disgruntled ape noises.

On paper this seems to be a recipe for disaster, but when matched with the uptempo black/thrash music that accompanies, this demo is surprisingly fun and addictive. Yeah, the production is kinda week (the guitars are somewhat muted), it is a demo after all, but the sheer insanity and intensity of the thing wins you over in the end. 5 tracks and 19-minutes later, you're left with a smile on your face. What more can you ask?

[7]