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 TRIPTYKON – Eparistera Daimones
(Century Media/EMI)
The Skinny: Warrior returns with auspicious new project.
When he announced he was once again dissolving Celtic Frost in 2008, fans despaired for Thomas Gabriel Fischer (he’ll always be Tom G Warrior to me) and the fate of Celtic Frost. Especially since the band’s 2006 effort Monotheist sounded like the comeback record that all bands dream of making, and that all the work the band had put into a follow-up record would be scrapped. Then Fischer announced the formation of Triptykon, and discussed how the ideas he was saving for the next Celtic Frost album were used on Eparistera Daimones. That sums up Triptykon’s debut effort; it’s the worthy successor of Monotheist. Furious, thrash-flavoured gothic black metal. Triptykon proves Fischer’s mastery of this genre. The album is filled with explosions of eerie feedback, a haunting trudge/blast dynamic and Ficher’s instantly recognisable tormented howl. Don’t bemoan the passing of Celtic Frost, celebrate the birth of Triptykon.
It’s Worth Checking Out For: tracks like Goetia and Descendant.
****
 ACRASSICAUDA – Only The Dead See The End Of The War
(Vice)
The Skinny: Iraqi heavy metal act escape persecution, make rad album.
If you’ve seen the harrowing 2007 documentary Heavy Metal In Baghdad, you’ll be acquainted with Acrassicauda. The band were the subject of the film, which explored the scope of reactions towards Western culture in the Middle East and what life was like in downtown Baghdad for ordinary citizens during the Iraq war. However, the band shown in the film is vastly different than that playing on Only The Dead See The End Of The War. Amateurish and unpolished in the film, since relocating to America last year and working with Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick, Acrassicauda now sound like bona fide thrash metal soldiers. Only The Dead is a powerful thrash offering. Even without the personal relevance Acrassicauda bring to the ‘80s thrash “war is hell” lyrical lynch pin, Only The Dead would be a solid four track offering.
It’s Worth Checking Out For: Garden Of Stones.
***
 IN DEATH – Self-titled EP
(Independent)
The Skinny: Brisbane moshers debut EP drops like heads in pit.
Who doesn’t love to mosh? Sure, you’ll be sore the next day (the older I get, the more I realise this), but there’s something incredibly cathartic about pushing your way into a pit and just getting fucking mental. In Death’s self-titled EP is a blistering seven-track homage to headbanging, moshing and circle pitting. The Brisbane five-piece’s EP is a furious onslaught big riffs, breakdowns and solos accompanied by a rhythm section that deftly manoeuvres between groove and power. With production that emulates their live sound, listening to In Death’s debut EP will make you want to go up the front and get nutty, even if you’re not out at a show.
It’s Worth Checking Out For: the bounce and power of tracks like Human Canvassing and Hellbound.
***½
 WHITE WIZZARD – Over The Top
(Earache/Riot)
The Skinny: the new wave of new wave of British heavy metal.
Dismissing White Wizzard’s first full-length, Over The Top, is easy. The band take the trad metal thing to levels where originality rarely exists, they look like five dudes straight from Heavy Metal Parking Lot and the band was signed to Earache after only two years of being a band. But where the kitsch gimmicks end, the band’s strong ear for melody and songwriting chops makes Over The Top a solid album. Where tracks like 40 Deuces and High Roller are slick and speedy, Iron Goddess Of Vengeance are atmospheric and epic. Wearing their influences on their sleeve, White Wizzard’s Over The Top ticks all the obvious boxes. It’s Maiden, it’s Priest, it’s KISS. It’s surprising how much you’ll ultimately enjoyable this record.
It’s Worth Checking Out For: the anthemic title track.
***
TOM HERSEY
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