Dunderbeist: Songs of the Buried

I wasn't terribly impressed with this release, mostly because the songs draw on so many styles and sounds that I struggled to understand just how to listen to it, let alone enjoy it. I don't mind eclecticism and challenge, especially in music, but I just couldn't find my bearings as I wended my way through this one. The songs are all competent and performed well enough, but they don't work together to create a kind of fingerprint, a mark that says THIS is Dunderbeist.

The album begins with "Y," a song that I couldn't help but compare to the opening vocal of "La Grange" by ZZ Top. A classic rock and roll song, yes, but it echoes through this first track quite poorly. I was also disappointed with Acheron, a song that addresses the album's larger theme of death. The lyrics, though, constantly quote and reference "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" in ways that make any attempt to layer those famous words with dark and menacing meaning nearly impossible. It just doesn't work. Other songs channel bands like Alice in Chains, especially with the harmonized vocals. Some of the choruses reminded me of those guys as well.

The best song, "Forefed Boar's Head," is actually pretty cool. It has a strong opening riff and thrashy opening that lead listeners toward a very aggressive vocal line, one slightly reminiscent of Lemmy's signature delivery. I have no idea what the song is about, but I was impressed with its drive and its energy. I would certainly listen to this track again and again. The rest of the album, though, disappoints by comparison.

Track Listing:
1. Y
2. Father Serpent
3. Acheron
4. Enter Exile
5. The Hidden one
6. Songs of the Buried
7. Centuries
8. Four of the Seven
9. Forcefed Boar's Head
10. Mongrel

Added: December 2nd 2012
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 2049
Language: english

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