Review of Vader - Reign Forever World

First off I have to commend Vader on the adversity they have had to overcome thus far. Impressively owning a 12-album career to date. Bringing Metal out of Poland, no easy feat in itself, being signed to Earache and eventually finding their home within Metal Blade. Polish Metal, two words that in all actuality should not be in the same sentence. Luckily they have overcome that one as well. Vader's latest release Reign Forever World comes out of the gate strong. Thrashing down the metal hammer with the title track. A dual speed picking intro, only to settle right into the crunch, and then back into the speed and then back into the crunch and then back to the speed (fok how long should I go on with that shit?). In come the vocals. Heavy ass vocals I might add. Damn commanding, bringing the right amount of throat, garnished with borax of gut. Within Reign Forever World, Vader do perform three covers. Destruction's Total Desaster, Judas Priest's Rapid Fire, and Mayhem's Freezing Moon. Each song delivering it's worth as to why they chose these songs. The lyrics on Reign Forever World (well the ones Vader actually wrote) did kick my ass. Excellent concepts, some bordering the fantasy, but ultimately staying right in the vein of a dark metal ambiance. I was truly impressed with the lyrics, the strongest attribute of the whole album as I reflect back. Impressive how a band from Poland who's English is probably still half-assed to this day can translate the nuances between both languages. Bottom Line: I like Vader, but there is just something lacking within the band. I can't put my finger on it, because there are great songs, solid structures, stylish riffs and an overall heavy appeal. The more I listen to it though, something just doesn't set completely right. In Vader's defense I haven't given it the ole drunken listen, where I might add a many borderline bands have become metal giants. I do believe this disc is worthy of the collection, but if you don't have the new God Forbid buy that foker instead.

Born in 1986, Vader has been as highly respected as any band in the death metal trade to date. During the last 15+ years they have released nine studio albums, two live CD's, an EP and a video to top off what looks to have been a prosperous career up to this point. After releasing their first full length album The Ultimate Incantation back in 1993, they've hit us 8 years later with their newest effort entitled Reign Forever World. This album is a collection of 10 tracks that could easily be divided into four categories. There are three new studio tracks, three cover songs (see list of covers at the bottom), two live tracks and two songs taken from their 2000 release, Litany. After experiencing several listening sessions featuring this new album, I have come to the conclusion that I'll have to dissect each of these four categories separately. The highlights on this album undoubtedly come during the first three songs. Each of the new tracks contains perfectly executed death metal riffage with changes that are violently amplified by the thunderous death/black aggressiveness going on behind the drum kit. These songs are well thought up and contain many moments that instantly have me wearing a delightful grin. However, as quickly as these songs lift me up into a beautiful metal buzz, the next three tracks (the cover songs) completely ruin the vibe I begin to feel during the early stages of each listen. Not that Destruction, Judas Priest and Mayhem haven't deserved a high level of respect throughout their lustrous careers, but covers (especially the ones chosen for this release) don't do a damn thing for me. The next section containing the two previously mentioned live tracks gets things back on track again. Although these songs don't receive a 6 (6-6) in the production department, they come across heavily enough that I can only imagine seeing Vader pull this music off in person would increase the band's sheer power and the music's maximum potential. The first of the last two tracks (bonus tracks from the Japanese version of Litany) is just a short intro piece with the last track on the album pretty much in the same vein as the new tracks on Reign Forever World. I apologize if I've left you hanging as far as whether you should pick this album up or not. I'm not even sure it will get a whole lot of playing time in the "home system". One thing I can tell you is that for me it's worth having in my collection for the first three tracks alone. As far as the rest of the songs, if you like the original versions of the covers done on this album, then you're sure to be plenty satisfied with the updated versions on this disc. **Covers** Destruction - Total Desaster/Judas Priest - Rapid Fire/Mayhem - Freezing Moon Favorite Track: Reign Forever World

Release Details

Vader

Reign Forever World

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