Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Aura Noir- Hades Rise



So I picked this up because they are playing at the Maryland Deathfest 2009 (see you there) and am trying to familiarize myself with as many bands as I can before I go. I knew nothing about them or what they sounded like. Holy shit, these dudes are awesome. I don't know how to describe it, but to say it is sorta thrash, but not uber technical in the Metallica or Testament kinda way. It is kinda like European bands from back in the day like Kreator. But it mostly reminds of what I can only call "proto-death". This is a term I use for bands like Venom and Hellhammer who helped to mold this entire genre. When I call Aura Noir "proto-death", I guess I mean they sound old-school. Back when thrash and early death metal were kinda the same. They have killer heavy hooks and sound grimey and filthy. And a lot of fun. This is a headbanging treasure trove. This is just plain metal: rockin', kinda evil with a distinct black metal bent, and catchy as all hell. The vocals are reminiscent of Lemmy. And the guitar tone is excellent. The album sounds great. This a great beer drinking, horns throwing, rock and roll experience. I can't recommend it enough.

After getting my mind blown by this album, I did some research on the band. Turns out that the guitarist is Blasphemer from Mayhem, whose guitar work I find very unique and interesting. Then I find out the drummer used to be in Enslaved. Then I find out that Fenriz from Darkthrone contributed vocals on one of their older records. No wonder this is amazing. This is like the Traveling Wilburys of black metal. Wow.

http://www.auranoir.com/

http://www.myspace.com/auranoir

No comments: