Zarraza – Kreated in Blood
Zarraza – Kreated in Blood
Self-Released
Release Date: 08/07/22
Running Time: 11:42
Review by Paul Hutchings
7/10
The ever-expanding world of metal’s influence shows no signs of stopping. Zarraza hail from Kazakhstan and play an extreme version of metal, veering highly towards the Thrash end of the scale. In fact, Zarraza are veterans of the Metal scene, having formed over a decade ago. A quick glance on Metal Archives reveals a bunch of releases, including early EPs and a long player, “Necroshiva” released in 2018.
This three-track EP brings a bold and brave approach, with Zarraza’s versions of some classic Metal tracks. First up is the technical power of French titans Gojira, and Zarraza’s take on ‘L’Enfant Sauvage.’ Whilst the band stick faithfully to the overall structure of the song, they are confident enough to add their own bells and whistles to the track to provide a bit of their own stamp. It’s a robust cover, and rather enjoyable with the additions proving to be pleasing and quirky rather than irritating. Vocalist Nick ‘ToRRnado’ Khalabuzar has the right power and energy to deliver Joel Duplantier’s raucous vocals.
Roll onto track number two and we are hit squarely between the eyes with Kreator’s ‘People of the Lie.’ Once more, Karraza bring a fiery version which is honest to the version released over 30 years ago on “Coma of Souls”. Big on sound and heavy on riffs, it works on every level and gets you banging that head with the infectious rhythm that surges through the track like a live current.
The bravest move of them all follows, with a vibrant and energetic version of Slayer’s ‘Reign in Blood.’ Taking on what many believe to be the ultimate thrash song of all time is either brave or stupid, but in fairness to Zarraza, this is a tidy version of a much-covered song. Khalabuzar’s vocals are the weakest part of this, his throaty roar struggling with the Araya classic delivery. Once more the band add their own interpretations including a Kylkobyz interspersed throughout and a jaw harp or shankobyz, along with an even faster finale than the US giants managed. It’s a solid reprise of a much-loved song, and Zarraza don’t do anything to damage the song’s reputation.
Any band doing thrash covers is playing it a bit safe but what this EP did was prompt me to search out ‘Necroshiva’ and find out a bit more about this intriguing band.
‘Raining Blood’ (Slayer Cover) Official Audio
TRACKLISTING:
01. L’Enfant Sauvage
02. People of the Lie
03. Reign in Blood
LINE-UP:
Nick ‘ToRRnado’ Khabauzar – vocals, guitar
Ruslan Konon – Drums
Dan Eternal – Guitars
Adil Aliakpar – Bass
LINKS:
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