Lair of the Minotaur - War Metal Battle Master Review
by Mark Hensch
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It is a bit premature for Lair of the Minotaur to be releasing an album entitled War Metal Battle Master. Though their brand of savage sludge is commendably unusual, it lacks the mark of true mastery. Drawing forth from the Greek myths which so inspire the band, I am tempted to compare them to Icarus all too often - this is an ambitious album, yet one which undoubtedly flies too close to the sun.
The end result is like the maze from which the band derives its moniker. On the one hand, the band's mix of Celtic Frost dirtiness, Slayer aggression and High on Fire sludge results in moments of atavistic brilliance. At others, however, Lair of the Minotaur's sonic identity is as frustrating as a dead-end in a labyrinth.
Driving War Metal Battle Master forward is the spirit of gladiatorial combat. Much like such ancient combat itself, this is an album which often strives for relentless brutality. Problems emerge when the band overcomplicates the process - a battle to the death might require as much simplicity in the slaughter as it does complexity.
A song like "Horde of Undead Vengeance," for example, should mercilessly gallop down the opposition. Despite this, the tune often twists and turns more like a snake, keeping the listener unable to immerse themselves in the fury and chaos of destruction.
In contrast, carnage like "When the Ice Giants Slayed All" gives Ares his proper libation of blood and viscera. A pounding charge of gargantuan thrash devolves into a beatdown worthy of massive headbanging. Beyond this, it is never anything besides hateful and pummeling, and that is why I like it.
An even greater problem, however, is the vocals. Frontman Steven Rathbone possesses both a diabolical shriek and a hellish howl. Despite this, he often tries adding a brawny sing-song to the mix. Though it is not always a foul play, the whole technique recalls the spoken word passages so often found in metalcore or campy fantasy D-movies. Neither of these things is enjoyable, so it does not work well.
This interesting problem erupts on the title track. Though the music itself is a rumbling beast causing wanton destruction, the hokey vocals nearly undermine its momentum. It feels like driving a full-tank journey on half the gas - one can make it, but only barely.
Overall, the entire CD is every bit as hit or miss. "Slaughter the Bestial Legion" begins with a few decent riffs before sadly limping its way towards the finish line with an inept payoff. For its part, "Assassins of the Cursed Mist" slowly works itself into a churning frenzy of sound. Last but not least, "Doomtrooper" emerges as the best song on the album with its sinister opening march leading into a hazy, hellish landscape and beyond. The song's redemptive moment of epic clarity is perhaps Battle Master's crowning glory.Though there are some decent moments, this is more like a warrior training than a Master of war. The band can indeed churn out some memorable moments with its fetid production and Greco-Mythological lyrics, but this is far from the best thing I have ever heard. Olympian it is not, but for those alright with demigod status, War Metal Battle Master might be worth a try.
Tracklisting
Horde of Undead Vengeance
War Metal Battle Master
When the Ice Giants Slayed All
Slaughter the Bestial Legion
Black Viper Barbarian Clan
Assassins of the Cursed Mist
Doomtrooper
Hades Unleashed
CD Info and Links
Lair of the Minotaur - War Metal Battle Master Rating:7.0
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