Author: Aleš Podbrežnik
Artist: Underground
Label: Self-released
Released: 2014
Length: 12:55
Rating: 4/5
This time the blast came from the Nova Gorica neck of the woods. Rustic, with a metallic ring to it. So the old-school revival keeps rolling. The influence of the bands from the legendary movement known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal is leaving a fresh, indelible mark on the Slovenian metal scene too. This time it’s the up-and-coming heavy metallers Underground from Nova Gorica who are translating that movement’s gains into their own musical message. When you pick up this release, it feels like being shot back to 2002, when the first demo recordings of the excellent Slovenian Bay Area thrash revivalists Negligence were taking shape. Only ten years later, the revival trend has swung toward flirting with the legacy of old-school heavy metal. »Demo 2014« by Underground radiates huge enthusiasm and the sincerity of creative zeal, and the result is a gripping, energetic vibe with massive appeal that, in its honesty, instantly locks the listener into 100% focus on whatever is spinning on the release. There’s heart in abundance, that much is clear. Underground aren’t reinventing the wheel and they’re not bringing any musical revolution, but they tackle everything they do with great dedication and wholehearted commitment. That’s why they’ve managed to repackage, »repaint« and serve up musical elements we’ve known for decades in a way that undeniably hits with full-blooded force. So much for the introductory »gospel«.
»Demo 2014« came out in the last ten days of this April. Self-released. It has three tracks, skillfully and very well produced, especially once you factor in the band’s (presumably) limited finances. Chicksy Dicks drummer Urban Merhar stepped in behind the console, and his contribution proves he’s a guy you can count on. The snare drums have just the right sound, the bass line successfully muscles its way through a wall of guitar riffs, and on top of it all sits an authoritative, commanding, dominant vocal that hits some seriously high registers, the kind Halfo0rd reached in his prime, if not even higher. Throughout, the vocalist holds on to a pronounced power and carries it from register to register with real feeling, while keeping great expressive credibility and confidence. This kind of vocal is what the whole release’s grip depends on, since it’s fundamentally (stylistically) retro-sounding. This is one of the highest-sounding voices in Slovenian metal, one that stays explosive in everything it does, sounds in control in a rage, and just as convincing when it brings in sinister moods. The production, then, gets the balance of the building blocks of the sound picture just right.
Underground are a classic five-piece. Two guitars rip along in the spirit of the gains made by old-school outfits like Iron Maiden, Tokyo Blade, Satan, Blitzkrieg, Cloven Hoof and Diamond Head. A dozen names might seem almost overkill, but still. It’ll do as your orienting starting point. The outro of the second track, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which owes a bit of inspiration in its opening riff to 23:58 by Iron Maiden, has deliberate vocal variations in the final verse that, at moments, from light-years away but still gently, bring to mind King Diamond / Mercyful Fate approaches, which gratefully helps underline the vampiric »horror show« atmosphere that the message of the song demands.
With »Demo 2014«, Underground prove that a new force from a new generation is rising onto the scene, one that has soaked up, with all its heart, the authenticity and sincerity of the primordial spirit of the pioneers who created heavy metal when it was still totally young and innocent. The quintet has an exceptional sense of musicality, which they combine, in tried-and-true fashion, with ignition-ready lead guitar phrases. The guitars work together seamlessly in the riffing, and there’s a creative chemistry between the two guitarists, each egging the other on. You can hear it in the careful layering of fast-spinning ornaments of polished harmonies in thirds and a tasteful weave of fierce soloing.
On »Demo 2014«, Undergound have packed three equally strong showcase tracks that, with their quality songwriting and remarkably bold production, easily charm anyone looking for classically arranged heavy metal that effectively marries musical value with aggression. When it comes to creating atmosphere, too, Underground are exactly what their telling name hints at. Full of superstition, the occult and mysticism, and an effective breeding ground for feelings of dread and wickedness. »Demo 2014« is therefore a tempting sign that an exceptionally good studio debut is on its way, especially if they plan to keep this fiery creative zeal going in the future. Here’s wishing them all the best.
Lineup
Mario Murgič – vocals
Jernej Kranjec – guitar
Sani Može – guitar
David Rogič – bass
Aleks Legiša – drums
Production
Urban Merhar
Track list
1. Burn in Fire (03:59)
2. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (04:08)
3. Horrors of the Past (04:43)
