Formed from the ashes of Einherjer comes the debut thrash metal attack of Norway's Battered, released through Candlelight Records in the U.S.A.
While the band's musical approach is one of simplicity, their relentless attack packs a powerful punch track after track on this 10 song CD. The twin assault of guitarists Frode Glesnes and Aksel Heloe provide a solid combination, peeling off savage riffs while Ole Moldesaether (bass) and Gerhard Storesund (drums) deliver the rhythmic foundation and vocalist Siggy Olaisen does his best to tear himself a new set of vocal pipes. There is nothing particularly new or genre breaking with what Battered is doing on their debut album as it's pretty much straight ahead old school style thrash. Now there's certainly nothing wrong with that and at least these guys have all the necessary ingredients within their band on which to build a solid base upon. The songs are fast, hard and tight, the production is clean and crisp throughout and the musicianship is first rate. The band could benefit from injecting a little more variety in their sound in order to push the envelope a bit more, but overall this is a very impressive opening statement from these Norwegian thrashers.
Track Listing
1) Oblivion Awaits
2) New Lament
3) Demagog
4) Not One
5) The Dig
6) Industrial Killing
7) Perfect Illusion
8) Parasight
9) The Flagellant
10) Derelict