By Rosie Walker
If you listen to Battle Beast and expect a super heavy, dark metal band, you will be disappointed. If you listen to them and expect some good musicians doing what they love, you will be pleasantly surprised. Battle Beast breaks barriers where their beacon of talent and heart shines. This beaming band won the international Waken Metal Battle in 2010, gaining a lot of attention just two years after they started out. They turn a lot of heads with their clever, theatrical image that perfectly fits their fun, powerful sound. Battle Beast revives the ’80s with their over-the-top energy, big hair and honest happy vibe. So pass the hair spray and put your jean jacket on, because Battle Beast’s fourth album ‘Bringer of Pain’ will make ya wanna party!
‘Straight to the Heart’ is a very appropriate title for their opening track since it spears your senses with a lot of toe-tapping, fun loving, energy. The ferocious vocals of Noora Louhimo grabs you immediately. Move over Pat Banatar…Noora’s strength as a singer is not only in her powerhouse ability, but also in the sincerity behind it. This song furthers its potency by highlighting Janne Bjorkroth who kills on the keys and makes playing synths seem cool. Which takes a lot!
‘King for a Day’ incapsulates the band’s intensity and danceable moxie. The grit of the guitars provided by Joona Bjorkroth and Juuso Soiniu remind you that they do resemble a heavy metal band at times. Who says you can’t have riffs and EDM happening at the same time? Half way through the album, we hit the song ‘Familiar Hell’. Flirting with some industrial riffs on this track, the band proves they do not limit themselves in sound. They carry on their songs with such acute affection and theatrics that you feel a part of their story. Pyry Vikki bantering with the drums and Eero Sipila contesting with the bass here demonstrates the level of efficiency these musicians really have.
Near the end of the album, we turn yet another corner with the song ‘Dancing with the Beast’. Only a European metal band can get away with the levels of pop they take this number to. The catchy chorus has you sining along in no time, making the party feel all the more fun. This album is the ultimate ‘pump up’ soundtrack.
If you need something to brighten your day, listen to this album. Battle Beast made a war cry with ‘Bringer of Pain’. They rallied and charged the sensibilities with their grandiose, feel-good metal. Their marriage between pop and power metal sets the scene for a solid, enjoyable record. With fists in the air and vivacious feelings arising, their spirited sound makes it impossible not to smile while taking in the intrinsic animation goodness of Battle Beast.
Rating: 8/10
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Record Label: Nuclear Blast
Release Date: February 17th 2017
Track Listing:
01. Straight To The Heart
02. Bringer Of Pain
03. King For A Day
04. Beyond The Burning Skies
05. Familiar Hell
06. Lost In Wars
07. Bastard Son Of Odin
08. We Will Fight
09. Dancing With The Beast
10. Far From Heaven
Related MA link: [Interview] From Janis Joplin to Heavy Metal: Battle Beast singer Noora Louhimo talks New Album, Pre-Metal Days & more
Battle Beast links: website | facebook | twitter | instagram