ALBUM REVIEW: Bütcher – 666 Goats Carry My Chariot

Belgian Speed Metallers Bütcher are back with a brand new full length of fast-paced aggression, out on January 31st via Osmose Productions.

Weird electronics start the album off, giving more of a Sci-Fi feeling than I anticipated, however with the spoken word it does sound really cool. Soaring guitars bring in a very strong Judas Priest feeling, something I welcome with open arms as the glorious Heavy Metal thunder builds in beautifully. Upbeat drums kick in with a Motorhead vibe at the core over shredding guitar licks before we are dropped into a hellish cacophony of ripping guitar riffs that pierce your heart with speeding fury, accompanied by demonically screeched vocals, totally nailing the Black-Thrash attack I had hoped for with plentiful NWOBHM influence burning strong among the extreme onslaught. To complete the classic Heavy Metal stylistic approach, there are plenty of duel-guitar solos and anthemic choruses in the style of Iron Maiden, something I adore especially when delivered in this blackened and hellish package. This is pure Speed Metal ecstasy without a dull moment in sight, offering pure old school conjurations and extremity from start to end with gorgeously executed melodic flourishes over a ripping speed core. There are some excellent experimental and even dissonant ideas that really coming through in “Sentinels Of Dethe” while not straying too far from the blistering formula this band has found at creating total awesomeness. Furious and destructive, this album even has an almost ten minute title track which is a rare sight in Speed Metal but damn they pull that off too and insure every moment of this record slays. Maniacally melodic, evilly atmospheric and totally forceful, a fine piece indeed among so many other Speed Metal bangers. True Heavy Metal brilliance just how it should be, harkening back to the 80s in a refreshing and renewed manner. Morbid, monstrously fast, insanely catchy and totally excellent, these guys have delivered a totally astonishing second album that really hits all the right spots. -9/10