CD Review: Neocracy - Who To Blame? (Rock, 2024)

This band had a huge surprise in it's bag at the time they came around with the first full album. It took a long time until the new record "Who to blame?" could be finalized but it was worth the wait.

Neocracy teased this album with the highly addictive single and video for the track "Torment". Once heard it was nearly impossible to let the refrain go out of my mind. It kept in rotation for a long time. 

The cover of Neocracy's second album "Who to blame?"  

Now that the second longplayer had it's time I can say that the band once again had a lot to say. The fragileness of the first album release is still there. While the band often lays down a rocking performance it's the vocals of Fraziska Stolze that add a layer of deep emotions to each track. But there's far more in there. The guitar riffs come from various sources, from rocking to metal-classic. Sometimes they come to the front of the sound but often they also stick to the background.

So what's new in the new album? It's the vocal contribution of bassist Tim Pannek. He added on nearly half of the tracks his growling organ which put's a good contrast to the female voice. It's feeling like light and darkness when you hear the new songs. 

Maybe it's a bit unusual at first listen but with every round you'll become more familar and will enjoy the album on a deeper level. I've done so on three to four completed run downs of "Who to blame?" and have never regret to spent a moment at all.

The drums have become heavier, too. They sound like pushed to the maximum but never become boring. There's a good balance in them so they don't ruin the sound.

"Who to blame?" comes with fine production. It's not feeling overloaded. Instead it centers on leaving room for atmosphere and so the album breathes and lives - something I'm very happy about.

I'll give a strong recommendation out on this one. If you don't listen and buy this gem you'll miss out one of the finest releases in recent months. Ask the band via Facebook or Instagram messages for the physical edition - I'm sure you'll want to be able to hold the CD in your own hands also the download is fairly priced at 8 Euro on Bandcamp. 

Single Review: All Depraved - Makes me blind and insecure (Thrash, 2021)

This band coming from the Austrian Alps (Kärnten) kicks it out straight forward taking no prisoners. 

Bandpicture of the band All Depraved, Photo Credit: Tom of All Depraved.

Sometimes when you get sends like this one it's hard to know what to expect. But this time a positive surprise came out of the bag. This gem which is yet to be released on May 2th 2021 features a frame of constant pushing drums provided by guest drummer Adrian Erlandsson (At The Gates, The Haunted). 

The air is filled with classic razor sharp thrash riffs that cut straight and direct. At the same time they feel slightly layered at some points which gives it it fuller sound structure. 

The vocals go a slightly growling way. Happily they don't go too deep so they are understandable. That's a big pro in my ears because it gives the refrain a hugh push and together with all the backing vocals it builds up to be a ear catcher. 

The whole song takes a turn when it changes to the solo section. I love those midtempo changes, it gives a new view on the main riff of the track and a chance for all those who love to headbang like a propeller.

This track works fine as a introduction. It also leaves me asking how the other songs the band is working on may sound like. "Makes me blind and insecure" will be released on all streaming plattforms on May 2nd 2021. 

Be sure to connect to the band on Facebook and YouTube to get a reminder of the single release. 

A full album is about to follow sometime in 2021, too.