CD Review: Ben Blutzukker - Riptide (Thrash Metal, 2017)

We had the word here on the Underdogs already what two men can accomplish if they really want to. But what can one man alone do if he feels a need to contribute to the world of Heavy Metal?

The answer can be given straight: a lot. Today's technique allows for lot's of possibilities and Ben Blutzukker has taken advantage of them. While he took over all duties for vocals and guitars plus bass guitars by playing them on real instruments it was only the drums he had to add as programming them.

The cover of Ben Blutzukker's EP "Riptide", (c) by Ben Blutzukker, used with kind permission

Summary
It's result however is impressive moreover if you think how thick and heavy the sound is he provides. Currently he is preparing the release of EP number two entitled "Riptide".

The cool thing is that the first appetizer in form of a video has been set up as a mini-movie showing a pirate ship with pirates performing the track. It must have been lot's of work to set all of this up. Just think of how to include all the guitars in there (I think they cannot be bought straight away). Plus the drums are cool with many sequences been in time with the real sound.

My favorite is the second track "Stab by Stab". The riff and rhythm go straight and it's pure enjoyment I felt while listening to it. The track has a surprise with it at the very end so make sure to listen to the full track closely.

Track three comes as a wild track showing the rude side of the project going over to softer sides - something sounding surprisingly harmonic. The raw vocals once more give the music a unique stamp making it clear instantly who's playing music right here.

"Bloodlust" goes slightly faster with a straight riff but also few unexpected sound additions towards the end.

"Loose Ends" is a track different from the rest. The song structure is more clustered over the whole duration and comes more riff hacking than ever before. A small but cool drum solo closes out a fine EP.

Purchase-Link
The release draws near and is set for 6th October 2017 as Download, Stream, CD and LEGO USB Minifigure with many bonus stuff on it all available on his Bandcamp page.  

Contact Data
Follow him further on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

EP Stream
P.S. Don't stop the playback after the video finished. You'll know why once you've done it...