A review of Rapid "Blackstar Oppression Regime"

Rapid

"Blackstar Oppression Regime"

Dying Victims 2023

 

Today, let's check out what German Dying Victims brings in their upcoming announcements. This time we look through their window to Finland, from where Rapid is attacking with their new EP. "Blackstar Oppression Regime" brings twenty minutes of high-octane mix of heavy, speed and black metal. Of course, in such combination, the latter has little in common with the second wave, more with its prototypes or wave one. The gentlemen were definitely born too late, as their music teems with the atmosphere of the 80s. What makes the Finns stand out from the crowd is their very slick riffing. The guitarists don't go for the easy way and really combine a lot, in retro terms of course, in their field. As not in melodic chords then in solos thrown into their compositions. Here you really want to hum along to each next song, especially as the vocal lines, at times reminiscent of Cronos (not necessarily in terms of timbre, as Vincent Revenge's singing is cleaner and set in higher registers, though still a bit harsh) simply encourage singing. As for the rhythm section, special attention is drawn to the work of the drummer, who, in addition to mechanical tapping, will often play something "aside" or go fill after fill. It’s a short material, so as a bonus, in the CD version we also get from the Finns a demo recorded six years earlier, which makes four additional compositions. Stylistically, these tracks are very similar to the proper material. The audible difference, however, will be noticed in the sound, which is definitely more garage-like. So for those who know my taste, I don’t need to explain why I like the latter part better, although I have nothing to complain about the new EP either, as it meets all underground standards. However, it is the demo that sounds like it was recorded at one attempt, which makes it very natural and spontaneous. Once again, Dying Victims did not disappoint. Geeks of the old school of the 80s can confidently write down the Rapid name in their notebooks. They even should.

- jesusatan