This is the fourth album from Norwegian black/death/thrash metal solo act Vredehammer.
It’s been a while since I’ve caught up with Vredehammer – 2016’s Violator in fact, a record which I enjoyed a great deal. God Slayer provides 39 minutes of satisfying extreme metal for the listener to enjoy. Now a solo act, (with the formidable ex-Dark Funeral/Nordjevel drummer as session musician), Vredehammer’s latest record hits the spot.
The songs are constructed around a timeless songwriting formula, emphasising hooks and memorability. God Slayer has its fast and brutal moments, but the main aim here is the creation of songs that have lasting appeal. Built on a firm foundation of classic Norwegian black metal, this is then beefed up with death and thrash metal to produce songs that rip and tear their way through the running time.
The riffs are potent, (so many riffs! Everywhere!), driving the songs forward as the vocals snarl and the drums pummel. Smart songwriting allows for nuance and atmosphere across the songs, from expressive bass to textured heaviness. The music makes good use of its melodic teeth, working alongside the meaty distortion and enriching it. Synths are used sparingly, but effectively, adding another layer at key points and frequently invoking a compelling blackened grandeur.
Wrapped in the sort of crunchy production that allows the music to achieve its full impact, God Slayer is an easy album to enjoy. If you’re a fan of well-crafted song-based black/death metal aggression, then Vredehammer have got you covered.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 