League Of Distortion – Galvanize
League Of Distortion – Galvanize
Napalm Records
Release Date: 25/10/2014
Running Time: 36:21
Review by Beth Morait
10/10
German Modern Metallers, League of Distortion blasted onto the scene 2 years ago when they dropped their self-titled debut album, and made a lot of ears prick up. Now they’re back with a second album, “Galvanize”. Their press release starts with the dictionary definition:
to galvanize (verb, [ˈɡæl.və.naɪz])
to cause someone to suddenly take action, especially by shocking or exciting them in some way
And right from the start of the first track on this release, the dictionary definition is already being lived up to. It’s an angry thunderous opener, full of powerful vocals, fast-paced percussion, and crunching riffs. It’s got an Industrial twang to it, and makes use of some great sampling. I was literally sold on this sound within 30 seconds. Absolutely brilliant way to open an album.
It reminds me somewhat of one of my favourite UK bands, Chasing Dragons, who sadly disbanded a few years ago. That’s a fact that still makes me sad, because frontwoman Laurie ‘Tank’ Carnan was just superb, and their sound was epic. But now I think I’ve found the band to scratch that itch, as League of Distortion’s front woman Anna “Ace” Brunner has a very similar sound, and the songs on this album are absolute class.
It’s very definitely Modern Metal with a good smattering of Hard Rock, but it’s clever and doesn’t get stuck in any genre for too long. Every song has a catchy chorus, and an anthemic feel, which is impossible not to move to. But they’re not afraid of pulling back into gentle, tender sections that make you hold your breath, waiting patiently for the drop. This skillful use of dynamics adds an extra edge of excitement.
‘My Enemy’ is probably one of my favourite tracks on the album, but trust me it’s really hard to pick the best track, because they’re all so good. It opens with some samples straight out of a banging Dance tune, then drops into an Industrial/ Pop meld, bordering on Neu Deutsche Harte, and driven by rage. Love it.
This album is brilliant. Simple as. It’s already on my albums of the year list, and I will be smashing it on in my car a lot! It’s exciting, powerful, and raw, but in a very measured way.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Galvanize
02. My Hate Will Go On
03. Chainsaw
04. Suck My Blood
05. My Enemy
06. Whats Wrong With Her
07. In Our DNA (feat. CYPECORE)
08. Crucify Me
09. Anti-Hero
10. The Crown
LINE-UP:
Anna “Ace” Brunner – Vocals
Jim “Arro” Müller – Guitar
Felix “Ax” Rehmann – Bass
Tino “Aeon” Calmbach – Drums
LINKS:
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