ALBUM REVIEW: Bütcher – On Fowl Of Tyrant Wing

Belgian Black-Speed Metal mob Bütcher have consistently been one of the best new bands, both on the records and on stage. They return to deliver their third album via Osmose Productions on October 25th.

Having spun my “Speed Metal Samurai” 7″ to death, I already have high hopes of what lies waiting ahead; a band who mercilessly strike the whip of the old school against the back of the modern age. Pounding drums and synths bring in the record with an epic feeling as the bass and guitars majestically soar upon the percussive waves with magnificent leads shining through. Already feeling classic before we begin, the mood is set wonderfully. The aforementioned single follows suit powerfully, already feeling like one of the bands memorable anthems. The band feels as tight as ever with a monstrous drum performance absolutely destroying the kit, while the laser-like guitars cut with their beams of electrifying magic. Equally the vocals are a perfect mix of piercing and melodic, sitting in the mix harmoniously and really cutting through when they need to. Everything feels very live and organic and the whole feeling is pure Heavy Metal ecstasy in the traditional sense but with the added blood ‘n’ rust of some blackened, thrashing, high speed edge. The razor cuts sharper and deeper with each song, so if the first couple don’t have you gripped: run away wimp!

Balancing those ferocious melodies and ripping extremity in savage harmony, the continually evolving and always reliably traditional attack of the band holds up gloriously. The superb and memorable riffs with exhilarating leads and vocals fall into a strong narrative with an adrenaline-pumping delivery that will have you gripping your fists and banging your heads in any circumstance. For a band with such a raw, primal rage to their sound, they are not scared of progression which give this “Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son” feeling to some of their longer tracks but in this blackened, evil and mystical context that feels totally unique. That’s the beauty of Bütcher: they combine so many of my favourite influences, styles and ideas but in a way that doesn’t feel like some cheap regurgitation but the simple passionate worship of archaic Heavy Metal that renders a new brand of barbarity. Total morbid metallic mayhem, let’s keep going maniacs!

After the first half of the album, consisting of more typical song lengths, we get to the longer tracks on the b-side. This band have previously released a tremendous longer song in the form of the previous albums title track, so I am overjoyed to see we are due some more from the bands more expansive side. Naturally the blazing trail of killer riffing is not a thing of the past, utilising some of their feistiest ideas and R Hellshrieker’s most maniacal howls in these more atmospheric odysseys. But do not fear, the more cutting edge of their sonic swordsmanship is not lost, blending harmoniously into these epic and adventurous songs. The solos are especially wonderful, enchanting the air with stringed salutations to Satan. The bands adoration for Mercyful Fate and Iron Maiden becomes especially noticeable, certainly not a band thing. But there is plenty of their demonic personality burning brightly in its own right too, these guys are no tribute act! Don’t get too comfortable, I think you will find plenty of unexpected twists and turns (even some Death Metal on “A Gypsy’s Tale (Of Sex And Seance)”. It may feel a little less coherent toward the end, but the range in ideas is really cool to hear and the bold expanses of sound are all commanded to an equally high standard. Not a moment is wasted, nor an idea overlooked, with everything done to the highest standards while still feeling underground and gritty. A perfect balance of all things true to Heavy Metal.

Forceful and dynamic ’til the last, Bütcher keeps the pedal to the metal and the hellish spirit cranked to eleven right up to the end of this wicked record. Four years on from “666 Goats…”, the huge anticipation I had already mustered for this new LP was explosive and the lacerating new cut of wax from Bütcher did not let me down. Taking the full metallic spectrum and excellent musicianship while obeying the iron-cast rules of the ancient Heavy Metal gods, Bütcher forge their own path one step further into hades and it is a ripper. Having released one of my favourite albums of the last few years, I knew they wouldn’t drop the ball, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how killer this album is. Standing out on its own two feet, Bütcher are three for three on full lengths that one should have in their record collection. Someone has to keep the steele flamin’ hot, and who better than these tormentors?

Still hungry? Check out my 2021 interview with Bütcher here!