EP REVIEW: Black Viper – Volcanic Lightning

Norwegian Speed Metal titans BLACK VIPER are back with a brand new EP. 3 new tracks and a cover of USPM royalty Warlord, there’s plenty worth hearing here! Out now via Edged Circle Productions.

A barrage of crashing cymbals and maniacal riffing kick us right into a merciless onslaught of true metallic thunder. The chunky bass lines and razor sharp guitar atop monstrously frenzied drumming packs a united punch of pure steel while the piercing shrieks of the vocals break through with ease. The organic and masterfully uncompressed mix allows the soaring soundscapes to electrify the air with ease and showcase the majestic, intricate and powerful songwriting to truly shine. Truly a gorgeous and natural sound with lead guitars that strike like molten hellfire through the rhythmic ensemble, never losing momentum or easing up. Based on the opening moments, “Volcanic Lightning” could not be a more apt name for this record.

Although the full-bore, pedal to the metal approach is often used here; there is also groove and fist-pumping moments, such as “Ride Of The Icarus” which feels like a tremendous homage to Iron Maiden but with Black Viper’s own furious take on the sound. Feeling like a triumphant anthem between the ripping opener and the stunning Warlord cover that follows, the pacing is perfect. Those recognisable synths bring the “Black Mass” to us, haunting riffs and pounding drums come in and the chilling effect that Warlord mastered is conveyed beautifully with those excellently driven rhythms. With the more ethereal vocals, Black Viper capture the original feeling of this song superbly while not just regurgitating it, rather giving it a magnificent new life with plenty of attention to detail. Sometimes covers can be a lazy addition to an EP, but here it really feels like an essential listen amidst the bands own killer material.

Back to originals, “Phantom” closes the record. A pummelling piece with thundering bass and drum beats meeting more guitars that cut like a blade. The use of melody is stunning with a really bright yet still totally savage sound that underlines the sheer power of Black Viper’s songwriting. Much like with “Ride Of The Icarus” it is an instrumental piece. But rather than giving us a pair of lousy, tepid interludes, all of the intricate musicianship makes them both a gripping listen. Gorgeous synths and solos add flavour while keeping that strong punch riding throughout. Developing into an almost cinematic and ghostly direction to close out, with some cleaner leads that bring The Devil’s Blood or Lunar Shadow to mind, this EP bows out with grace, ready to be played again.

Magical Heavy Metal, that pays tribute to the ways of old in glorious strength, rather than with obsequious nostalgia-jerking. Black Viper have a unique and potent sound that is one of their own while keeping it true.