Let’s get it out of the way at the start. Thirteenth sign are not earth-shatteringly original, but for all that they are a fantastic metal band and where they stumble a little in the originality stakes, they more than make up for it with commitment, precision and ability. Successfully combining elements of Arch Enemy, Devil Driver, COF and even Iron Maiden, they forge steel clad anthems of brutality with a melodic bent that sees them giving bands of far greater stature a damn good thrashing. Make no mistake, Thirteenth sign are an exciting, vicious, talented band who deserve your attention.
Opening with ‘Talons in Deism’ the Arch Enemy comparisons come to the fore with hyperactive axe work, none-more-brutal vocals and propulsive drumming that makes the floor shake at high volumes. It’s an impressive opening and one that paves the way for the ensuing forty-odd minutes of mayhem. ‘In the wake of mourning’ is in much the same vein, a storming blast of pure metal fury coupled with a vocal performance that recalls Australian mentalists The Alchemist. The levels of ferocity are breathtaking and when you take into account that this is the band’s first album you have to check again just to make sure that you haven’t read the wrong part of the bio, because this is a work of astounding confidence. ‘Weaving horns for a spine’ sees the awe-inspiring axe-work continue and adds in some good old power-metal vocals on the chorus for good measure – a tactic that works surprisingly well and helps to augment the vocals which, up to this point, were running the risk of monochrome rage without any light or shade. ‘Oracles of the end’ sees the tempo slow a touch, with a nice palm-muted riff that develops into a satisfying power-metal gallop before disappearing off into the distance in a frenzy of pounding beats and shredding. It’s an ambitious and lengthy song that showcases the proficiency of the musicians involved.
‘Silhouette of her wings’ continues the power metal vibe, but with strong elements of COFs deathly melodies. It’s powerful stuff which is done great service by the top-notch production which maintains a satisfyingly raw feel while giving enough heft to the mix. ‘Lost to the underworld’ opens with a synth wash before the bass and drums kick in on a track that points in a Samael direction. It’s a chugging, monstrous beast with multiple solos before the vocals even have a chance to kick in and it’s possibly my favourite track on the album, rife with invention and vigour. ‘Nightingale on fire’ is an evil tune with an awesomely heavy midsection which slows everything down to a half time crawl with throat ripping screams providing an impressively dystopian backdrop. ‘Within its hooks and scales’ is a brutal performance, which maintains the pace which just leaves the lengthy ‘crown of pallid shadows’ to close the disc in fist-pumping, solo-heaven style.
Thirteenth Sign have produced a remarkable debut in ‘Oracles of Armageddon’. While they are still in thrall to their influences, they show the talent and imagination to break away and develop their own style time and time again over the course of this record. With musicianship at a peak they are more than capable of competing with any of the larger bands currently on the circuit and there is a wide-eyed ferocity that permeates the album that can’t fail to transmit itself to the listener. This an awesome record by any standard, but as a debut it hints only of better things to come. Great work from a promising band.
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