We took a listen to 'Dominion', the brand new long player from Merseyside metallers VIDEO NASTIES, see how we got on....
What a better time to release an album full of murderous screams and repetitive, completely mental-sounding humans than the current state of the world - The PANDEMIC.
VIDEO NASTIES, the Liverpool/Merseyside based metal outfit, is also the band that signed to APF records in 2019 on Halloween Day and released their latest single - "Drone Eagle", on 12 January of this year. Following this was the release of the album which dropped on Friday 13th March. You have got to give credit where credit is due - they certainly have a 'theme' to their music and they aren’t going to waiver from it anytime soon.
The band was formed in 2017 and features members of The Bendel Interlude, SSS, Magpyes and Iron Witch - a super group of sorts. They also graced the crowd at Desert Fest with their macabre presence last year, in which they entertained the crowd with their wicked stylings.
"Dominion" (the horror show, John Carpenter-esque masterpiece) has an ode to death metal and heavy metal roots, while feeding the appetites of another sub-genre with punk and thrash metal undertones. On the single "Drone Eagle", bassist Rick Owen describes it as, “a song about impending doom and Armageddon”. Owen says, "We’re going to hell in a hand basket baby and there’s nothing we can do to stop it. A demise driven by power, greed and corruption". He also mentions the band’s love for Carpenter and his unforgettable music scores for some of the most well-known movies of all time.
"If you imagine taking Sepultura, Carcass and Entombed as main influence and then lacing it with the hooks of John Carpenter, The Cure, The Cult... Killing Joke etc. even through to the likes of Dead Kennedys and T.S.O.L. Big post punk, goth, rock influences in there." - Owens clearly paints us a picture of so many influential artists that Video Nasties have added to their individualistic sound; and if you are a fan of the lechery of horror and metal, this band is a brilliant listen in the darkest of nights, looking at empty streets as we await our fate from the "New World" we have been subjected to!!
The first track on the album, 'Stay Gold', begins with a soundbite - a deep voice describes evil and screams echo in the periphery, while a bell tolls in the distance. There is a heavy, throbbing cadence to the song - a direct contrast to the high-pitched vocals of Damian Von Talbot, that complement the 'BOOM BOOM BOOM' of the hard-hitting bass drum. It is a brilliant opening tune; it most definitely sets the tone of the next 41 minutes and 41 seconds of your life. There is a short but striking guitar solo near the end and suddenly the voice that began the song with its’ ramblings on evil reappears, leading into....
"Hanging Tree", the second song on the album. Video Nasties have a commendable way if somehow blurring the line between traditional black metal and a 'black n roll' or 'punk' style; they incorporate many of the elements of the different genres, throw them together but in a cohesive and calculated way to please the listeners ear. This is especially prevalent in this song, double bass and tremolo picking moves quickly to a Fuck You, in-your-face, punk sound that makes you want to grab your skateboard and bomb the biggest hills while listening to the song. The guitarists most definitely broke a few strings while wailing out this number.
"Helvetica" is the third song on "Dominion", with that steadfast, unwavering beat. Von Talbot really shows us his vocal range, going from a deep, guttural growl to high-pitched, glass-breaking screams that are unparalleled, the sounds coming from the pure abyss of his soul. Once again, the juxtaposition between black metal and thrash or punk waivers back and forth with an easiness and a certain grandeur that is highly enjoyable, in any genre of metal they choose.
"Transvoltum" is a different beast; there is a unique time signature and rhythm to this song which makes it a definite stand out. Once again, Von Talbot takes you on the roller coaster ride with his vocal range, showing the depth of his talent as a vocalist. The band is never a disappointment; their cohesive instrumentation is demonstrative - giving Von Talbot the foundation to explore his vocal prowess- the listener need just sit back and rock out.
"Red of Night" is a personal favourite, and not just for the title and imagery alone. The song leaps when it’s least expected; Von Talbot screaming bloody murder, well, bloody psychosis. The pulsing and galloping guitars keep the song steadily moving with a force unimaginable; like walking through a field of quicksand but with each step, you sink further and further as the psychosis is reaching for you. All of Video Nasties’ talents are on blast in this fantastical display - this song cannot be missed!!
"Viva Death" greets us next, and begins with a bit of feedback from the amp and guitar, while the bass begins its’ steady rhythmic trodding. It gives the song an eerie sound and the listener an uneasy sort of feeling; perfect for any horror-lover. This song leans more on the heavy metal side, with Von Talbot throwing his voice around and the riffs ringing loud in your ears. Their effortless shift, again, keeps the listener waiting and wanting to hear what is next - while throughly enjoying every scream and wail of the guitars.
"Drone Eagle", the track that was released on 12th January, is the next gem on "Dominion". The galloping drums begin a song that draws its influence from their black metal roots - double bass, a distinct note sequence and the vocals make it an unforgettable song on the album - hence the release of this particular song. It showcases all of the best abilities of each band member, all talents in their own right and when put together, a force to be reckoned with.
"Stabbing Nightmare" comes immediately after, with the title of the song being part of the voice sample that they use a few times throughout. The melodic guitar is effortless and perfection, of course, add vocals, bass and drums and it becomes a song that will easily get caught in your mind.
"Dominion", the album’s title track, most definitely cements Owens’ quote about wanting the album to be an ode to John Carpenter’s horror scores. The synthesiser sounds are a delicious throw-back to the 1980’s, when horror movies were a bit more simplistic and humorous, as well as frighteningly entertaining. The song is wordless yet it is a perfect musical interlude in the perfect position on the album.
"They Rise" comes immediately after "Dominion" and it is the final track on this masterpiece of classic horror. This song is non-stop; 100 miles per hour, no better way to end an album full of nostalgia in many different ways; horror and the different genres of metal- which this uniquely talented group of musicians is able to demonstrate almost flawlessly. As John Carpenter has said in the past while making horror movies, "The strongest human emotion is fear." Mr. Carpenter captured it with film; Video Nasties capture their very own musical horror on "Dominion".
Dominion by Video Nasties is available NOW on LP, CD and Digital from their BANDCAMP page
Keep up to date with the band at the following sites;
www.facebook.com/videonastiesuk
Review by Marisa Dymond