Snakewine – Leaders Of The Damned
Snakewine – Leaders Of The Damned
Self-Released
Release Date: 06/07/2023
Running Time: 44:06
Review by Beth Jones
7/10
We love getting the big bands in to review here at Ever Metal, just as much as everyone else. Who wouldn’t like to review their icons? But what we really love is discovering smaller, unsigned bands, who are unknown to the wider world of metal and rock, but who can pack a punch and have the desire to kick it with the big boys.
And I think that’s a pretty fair assessment of Snakewine, the subject of today’s review. They are a four-piece Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal/ Thrash Metal band from Germany, who class themselves as ‘Hardcore Thrash ‘n’ Roll’. And that encapsulates them perfectly. This new album, “Leaders Of The Damned” is their sophomore album, following the release of their debut in 2015.
The album promises a smorgasbord of Apocalyptic Horsemen, war, persecution, and imprisonment – cheerful, eh?! But I’d expect nothing less of any upstanding classic style band, which these guys emulate really well. There are overtones of Priest, Maiden, and Motorhead running deep through the record, and the final track is a cover of the Motorhead classic, ‘Hellraiser’. So, from that, you can basically get a feel for the sound.
It has to be said that lead singer, Ronny, has a much more operatic voice than Lemmy (and way better voice than Lemmy in my opinion, but then he wasn’t renowned for his voice lol) which gives this cover a different edge. But other than that, it’s a very well executed cover. So, what about the original material?
Well, it’s solid, no nonsense classic 80s Heavy Metal really. It is quite Thrashy in its pace, but it’s definitely got more about it than classic Thrash (for those that haven’t read anything I’ve written before, I’m not a fan of classic Thrash) with lots of catchy riff, hooks, and melodies. And the vocals set it apart, because they’re not a gruff as you’d expect.
After a short, gentle, instrumental album opener, ‘Leaders Of The Damned’ kicks in and instantly shows you what this band are all about: big, thrashy riffs (although I think the addition of a second guitar could make them even bigger), powerful drumming, bass that’s like a train chugging along in the background at full speed, and anthemic style, fist-pumping chants.
But I have to say that I don’t think Ronny’s voice works with this track – it’s too nice, and he sounds like he’s forcing it to be harsher, to fit with the track. There are a few tracks on the album that I could say this about to be honest. The songs are good, the vocals are good, but they don’t quite gel together for me. This seems to resolve in track 3 though, which is more leaning towards Hard Rock/ Classic Heavy Metal. I think songs like this are really where this band comes to life – do more of this type of song, guys! This track also has a spoken word intro which I like, as it adds to the story, and adds an extra layer into the songs.
At the midway point in the album, we get a short reprieve from the pace and dynamics with track 6 ‘Dark Confession’. It’s a mournful solitary guitar, full of atmospherics, with spoken word over the top. This leads into ‘Judgement Day’ which I think is my favourite track on the album. It’s a little more proggy and experimental in its rhythms, and (yes, I’m going to talk vocals again) Ronny’s vocals really work with this. It’s very Maiden like, and is a bit of a curveball from what we’ve heard so far.
From there on, it’s back to the norm as far as the sound goes. But it’s catchy and full of emotion. There’s nothing new to this sound, and nothing ground-breaking to report, but that’s not what the band are going for. They’re accomplishing their goals of fitting into the 80s sounds very well, and are obviously passionate about paying homage to their heroes. And that’s what makes this album good. Do I think there’s more in the pot to come from them? Absolutely – this is only their second album, and they will continue to grow and mature, I’m sure. Is this album worth a listen? If you like 80s Heavy Metal, definitely. A good, solid album from a small band. Well done.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Opening The Seals To The Abyss
02. Leaders Of The Damned
03. Rainmaker
04. Black Hood
05. Hellhounds
06. Dark Confession
07. Judgement Day
08. Servant Of Two Masters
09. Black Hearted
10. Snake Wine
11. Hellraiser
LINE-UP:
Ronny Konietzko – Vocals
Frank Vogel – Lead guitar
Tobias Söllner – Bass
Roman Kramer – Drums
LINKS:
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