Richard HolmesVulture – Sentinels (Metal Blade)
Reverb set on 11, bonkers album cover, stratospheric screams and a drum sound hurled out of ’85… yep, German crew Vulture are back with their fourth full-length.
And as much as we approved of Sentinels’ predecessor, Dealin’ Death – an album which saw the band spread their wings – this record is a finer demonstration of their metalcraft.
Indeed, Vulture say they took a little longer writing this 11-strong set.
It shows.
Of course, there’s that familiar whiff of an adolescent Kreator, Razor and Exodus. Vulture regularly reach hyperspeed in their hi-tops.
Want a hit of manic, Teutonic energy? You can mainline it, courtesy of Unhallowed & Forgotten.
Missing that time when thrash felt genuinely dangerous? Get yourself on to Death Row. Â
Vulture’s songwriting, though, has soared higher on Sentinels. And with that has come a tighter embrace of the NWOBHM movement and early 80s metal (and we’re not just talking about L. Steeler’s helium vocals, or A. Axetinctör’s sprightly basslines). Think Mercyful Fate, Raven and at times, even Maiden.
Opener Screams From The Abattoir feels like an awkward false start, but by the time you reach the catchy, one-two combo of Realm Of The Impaler and Draw Your Blades, the album will have ignited.
Realm has one of Vulture’s most infectious choruses to date, while on Draw, Stefan Castevet and M. Outlaw work their fretboards like prime Denner and Shermann. And even those anthems in waiting are eclipsed by Where There’s A Whip (There Is A Way): the song’s talons dig in deep.
Flick over to Oathbreaker and swooping leads give way to a hell dive of twists, turns and infernal thrash dynamics.
And closer Sentinels (Heavier Than Time)? Well yeah, it’s heavy. It ain’t exactly Conan or Primitive Man heavy, but the track’s mid-paced, moody stomp actually suits the band… and makes for a memorable outro.
For all they pick over metal’s past for tasty morsels, Vulture have defined their own sound.
And thankfully, it’s a headbanger’s delight…
