Author: Primož Novak
Artist: Vader
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release date: 30.07.2014
Running time: 42:02
Rating: 4.5/5
Polish death metal veterans Vader are back after three years, this time with their eleventh studio album. The first question we can ask ourselves now is: what do Vader still have to show after three decades and countless lineup changes? The only original member, Piotr Wiwczarek, has proven time and again that he sticks to his own style, which has undoubtedly become the trademark of Vader themselves.
Luckily, though, Wiwczarek also lets the other members write a track or two, so he’s not the kind of dictator Nergal of Behemoth is. With the help of the current guitarist, who goes by the nickname Spider, Vader have undoubtedly gained in variety, which was already showing on the predecessor Welcome to the Morbid Reich. It was much the same back when longtime guitarist Mauser was in the band (he left Vader in 2008).
Vader show themselves from their best side with the very first track, Go To Hell. After the intro, you get hit with some pretty typical Vader riffing built on speed, which is what’s always been Vader’s calling card. But the deeper you get into the album, the clearer it becomes that Vader have made a varied record with a few surprises. Of course, a slower, more thrash-flavored track turns up that’s just begging for some »headbanging«, like Triumph of Death, which in its own way reminds me of the album Revelations. The two main surprises are hiding in Hexenkessel and The Eye Of The Abyss. Both tracks boast an atmospheric orchestral intro that would fit some dark war movie. After that, Vader build up the song, and guitarist Spider brings in some melody on top, which takes Vader to the peak of epicness. Sure, Vader have done this before, but these two tracks take it a step further.
Over 42 minutes, Vader show time and again that they’re true to their style. Besides the trademark Vader riffs and Piotr’s vocals, the drumming is a major factor too. Drummer James Stewart can be put right alongside Doc and Daray, who were the standout drummers in Vader’s history. Tibi et Igni closes with The End, which is slower in nature and actually has a doom metal element to it. That’s where Vader put the cherry on top when it comes to the album’s dynamics and the polish of the songs. Last but not least, the sound deserves praise too: it’s modern, but not overly polished or tacky.
The special edition also shows a somewhat more experimental side of the band. The standout is Przeklety Na Wieki (Cursed Eternally), which features female vocals in Polish. Maybe something like that wouldn’t fit the main album, but as a bonus it gets the green light.
Vader can still surprise you after three decades. With its variety and polish, Tibi et Igni is probably the band’s strongest album in the last ten years. It will undoubtedly thrill fans and will probably win over a few new ones too. Either way, with this album Nuclear Blast can dust off its old motto: All killer, no filler.
Lineup
Peter – vocals, guitar
Spider – guitar
James Stewart – drums
Hal – bass
Production
Wojtek Wiesławski/Sławek Wiesławski (Hertz Studio)
Track list
01. Go To Hell
02. Where Angels Weep
03. Armada On Fire
04. Triumph Of Death
05. Hexenkessel
06. Abandon All Hope
07. Worms Of Eden
08. The Eye Of The Abyss
09. Light Reaper
10. The End
Digipak Bonus:
11. Necropolis
12. Des Satans Neue Kleider
13. Przeklęty Na Wieki (Cursed Eternally) – vinyl only
