(c) Gomorrah
Quite familiar names – including Destruction guitarist Damir Eskic – try as Gomorrah a thrash approach that is generally more anchored in classic metal realms. The inclusion of Heavy, Power and Speed Metal works wonderfully, as the debut “Divine Judgment” already showed. They are now building on that and with VO Pulver they brought an expert for oppressive metal productions into the studio. „Dealer Of Souls“ goes full steam ahead with growing enthusiasm.
When “War Of Control” sprints off following a brief intro, scorched earth is left behind. The sheer force with which Gomorrah set off knows how to entertain. Jonas Ambühl’s voice is more in the more traditional metal realms and likes to switch to higher ranges, but that works great. This gives the track – as well as large parts of the album – a slight Priest touch. In addition, this five-minute muscle pack sheds its skin several times, even sprinting furiously in between and letting go of wonderfully crisp guitars at the climax. That may not come as a great surprise in this compilation, but it entertains from the first to the last second.
The rest of the album is also one oversized triumphal procession. “All Is Lost”, the second mini-epic, shines with leaden heaviness that collides with hymn-like undertones and undeniable gloom. Thrash and speed poison drool, the melodic middle part surprises with clear guitars. In “Stand United” Laura Guldemond from Burning Witches gets involved and delivers courageously. The terribly angry, rough marching track remains mostly leisurely, but contains some of the hardest moments of this record. Also “Isolation” with its thick NWOBHM leads, the mighty shouts and surprising machine head guitars is great.
You now know what to expect from Gomorra, even if “Dealer Of Souls” is only their second album. Classic metal concepts, biting thrash and subtle modern elements come together perfectly here. Muscle-packed anthems, official neck breakers and gloomy cement mixers come and go. Instead of being forced to reinvent the proverbial wheel, the quintet writes really good songs, accompanied by an extremely powerful and differentiated production. That’s how metal has to be.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: 09.12.2022
Available from: Noble Demon (Soulfood Music)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Gomorraband
Category: Magazin, Reviews