Heavy Metal Review: Korotory - 'Chapter III: The Conquering'

 

 



1995 was a funny old year for metal. Slipknot formed, Accept disbanded (temporarily), and a new wave of heavy music was on the horizon. As the final embers of grunge died away, industrial and nu metal would both rise up from the ashes, taking the genre into new and exciting areas.

The mid-to-late 90's was also a time when some of these new ventures into metal would push the more traditional heavy bands onto the back-seat. A great many groups that dominated the world during the 1980's went back to the underground, while stupid rappers with silly red hats took their place singing about 'rolling'.

It wasn't all bad news, of course. Pantera, formerly a glam metal band, brought a heavy fist down on the radio-friendly sub-metal tripe that was infecting the airwaves and gained a great deal of respect for that. But they weren't the only ones....

 

1995 was also the year of Korotory. A band who, in their own words, were and are “the alternative to the alternative”. Much like Pantera, the emerged with a fresh sound inspired by the legends of old, but more extreme, and completely un-fazed by certain new movements within the genre.

For 6 years, Korotory would defend the faith and play gigs with bands as diverse as Hammerfall and Death, and releasing their debut album, 'Process of Elimination', before calling it a day in 2001. It wouldn't last. You can't keep a good band down, and in 2006, they returned from the grave, with a new bassist and a new, passionate fire raging within. Two more albums, 'Age of Rebellion' and 'God Less America' followed, along with more relentless touring and defending of the faith.

And that brings us nicely to Korotory's third studio album: 'Chapter III: The Conquering'. In this new age of metal, is it still acceptable to be the 'alternative to alternative'? Can a band that was born during a time when metal was almost lost to rap-rock still have something to offer? Any metal band can make big, sweeping statements about how they couldn't care less about the mainstream, and how they are true, pure metallers. But without the music to back these statements up, the band simply doesn't work.

Luckily, Korotory have the music. And it's heavier than a ton of titanium bricks. This is 'Chapter III: The Conquering'.

Chapter III: The Conquering

'Chapter III: The Conquering' lures you in with a suitably epic instrumental ditty titled 'Hell's Gate', with buzzing bass and classical piano chords, before the guitars come crashing in in unison, taking this short intro theme to its' peak before kicking straight in with 'Spineless'.

All of a sudden, the almost-power metal style melody of the opening track is bludgeoned to death by aggressive, thrashing riffage courtesy of guitar gods Chris Clemente & Matt Scriva. There's no let-up throughout as Ray Truhn screams like a man possessed, and Darren Markoff beats the shit out of his drum kit. Held together nicely by Brett Weatherston's sludgy bass playing, which holds its' own against the furious guitar soloing, 'Spineless' tells you everything you need to know about Korotory in one song. That they're fucking metal, fucking angry, and here to fucking stay. And slay.

The pace slows slightly for track 3, 'Conquering the Swine', thrash giving way to a slightly more death metal approach to begin with. The infectious riff hooks you from the off, complemented by some seriously pissed off lyrics roared out by Truhn: “You wanted a war, well you got a war!”. Once again, there is some lavish guitar soloing as the pace quickens mid-way through, as the band quickly flip from sludgy-death, to thrash, to NWOBHM in the space of just 3 minutes and 19 seconds. Not many would dare to carry off such a feat, but it pays off beautifully. This is a band that understand that melody and heaviness can exist together, which is where so many other extreme bands go wrong. I would say that 'Conquering the Swine' is a stand-out track on this record, simply because of the subtle diversity within.

'Absolute Zero' is another thrasher, Markoff's drumming powering the piece like the engine of a steam-train heading straight for Hell. There's also a strong Pantera influence presence here mid-way through, that goes nicely with the death-metal-esque solos and more raging anger from Truhn (listen to his roar 47 seconds in!). Once you think you get a handle on a Korotory song, they take it in a totally different direction without losing the essence of the track.

There is some let-up with 'Probing the Nether', a 94-second instrumental led by an incredible guitar solo and some nice bass noodling. It can be so easy to gloss over instrumental tracks, to disregard them. But it's these little slices of music that emphasize the talent Korotory has, the musicians free to let themselves go without restraint, before reigning in the more overtly-melodic tendencies for the 'proper' (for want of a better word) songs where heaviness is key. In short, 'Probing the Nether' is fucking beautiful.

'Ophidia' starts off with a wonderful sound-bite from a serial killer, a common and much-loved theme within metal. And then the song starts proper, and once again a host of different styles are present, from a bouncy thrashy main drive, to a nice black metal rhythm in the background, and another amazing guitar solo that kicks off at 1:12. Lyrically, the song is sound, dealing with insanity, murder, hatred, and schizophrenia, believably rasped by Truhn, between incredible bass and guitar solos that spring out of nowhere and texture the track with melody and awesomeness. The song fades out a bit too quickly at the end, I think due to the content of the tune it would have been better to linger a bit more on that final scream, but this little niggle aside – perfection! Another contender for favourite track, easily!

'Dehumanization' is one of the heaviest tracks on the album. Truhn not only rasps and roars, but also goes full-on death metal for some ugly as Hell cookie monster growling. The chainsaw guitars cut dangerously through the song, the melodic solos replaced with darker noodles, undercutting and complementing the razor-sharp riffs, whilst Markoff's infectious drum beat carries things through. Certain to be a favourite among death metal fans!

'Sanctified' goes back to the Pantera-esque groove with occasional blast beats that wouldn't be out of place on an Immortal album. Lyrically, this song is a call to arms - “I AM UNSTOPPABLE!”, an inspiring and empowering anthem of the sort that metalheads love so much. With a wicked chorus and killer drive, the only thing that perhaps lets this song down is the fact that it's so short. Another guitar solo in the middle would have given it a bit of something extra, maybe, but despite this, another tune to add to your list of metal anthems, alongside 'United' by Judas Priest, 'Motorbreath' by Metallica, and anything by Manowar!

And so finally we reach the end of the album, with closing track 'Rise' – a song I proudly blasted out on Heavier Than Time recently. Like 'Sanctified', 'Rise' is something of an anthem, a song about revolution and standing as one. Despite being the only radio-friendly tune on the album, it's still a heavy song. Catchy, yes, but relentless. The drums pound, the guitars crush, the bass rumbles, and the vocals soar. Korotory know this is the end of the album. And they want it to end with a bang so big you won't forget it in a hurry. And trust me, you won't.

In short, Korotory's latest record is an absolutely essential piece of listening. This is a band that take every single one of their influences, and utilise them without ruining the final effect. Every musician brings something unique to the table, with some of the best guitar solos I have ever heard, an unstoppable drummer, and a bassist so good it took me a few moments to realise that certain solos in the songs were actually bass solos! Truhn is an incredible vocalist, and the lyrics are full of anger, rage, and even hope.

Death, thrash, groove, NWOBHM, extreme, sludge, black metal – if you enjoy any of these musical genres, then Korotory will have something for you.

'Chapter III: The Conquering' is an apt title. Because with an album as good as this, Korotory will conquer. This is their moment!

STAND-OUT TRACKS:

• Conquering the Swine
• Probing the Nether
• Ophidia

Korotory is:

Ray Truhn – Vocals

Chris Clemente – Lead & Rhythm Guitar

Matt Scriva – Rhythm & Lead Guitar

Brett Weatherston – Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals

Darren Markoff – Drums

Chapter III: The Conquering

1. Hell's Gate

2. Spineless

3. Conquering The Swine

4. Absolute Zero

5. Gemini

6. Ophidia

7. Dehumanization

8. Sanctified

9. Rise

For more information on Korotory:

www.facebook.com/korotoryofficial

www.reverbnation.com/korotory (free downloads)

www.twitter.com/korotorymetal

www.youtube.com/officialkorotory

Join Heavier Than Time:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Heavier-Than-Time-Heavy-Metal-Music/423564411008899

Acacia Radio:

www.acaciaradio1.weebly.com/

Enemy in the Snow - A Drabble

He fell into the soft blanket of snow, icy white particles burning his face with cold.

He hoisted himself back up with great effort, gasping as he found his feet again. All the energy in his body had been drained by the freezing atmosphere, making it difficult for him to do little more than shiver.

But he had to carry on.

He could hear it lumbering behind him. Heavy crunching footsteps in the snow.

Terrified, he staggered on, but again he took a plunge.

Rolled over onto his back.

Saw the hideous green creature coming down on top of him...

Lost - A Drabble

"It's this way," the Doctor declared with absolutely no doubt at all.

He marched valiantly onwards, with Peri tagging along behind, as his eyes scoured the bizarre map.

"Can you even read that thing?" his companion muttered as she rubbed her trembling shoulders. It's awfully cold in here, she thought gloomily.

"Of course! With a mind like mine, anything can be decrypted!"

Oh, the arrogance!

The pair rounded a corner, and the Doctor collided with a dead-end, the map floating gracefully out of his hands, onto the stone floor.

"Peri?"

"Yes, Doctor?" she replied with a knowing smirk.

"We're lost..."

Ghosts From the Future - A Drabble

He was sat on the edge of the Universe, right at the end of time.

But despite the eternal calm, he was frowning. Frowning at the apparent junkyard that surrounded him on this lonely asteroid.

Littered on the ground were ancient, rusted remains of Gallifreyan artefacts. Golden seals of Rassilon, charred and faded. Parts of dead TARDISes and SIDRATS. There were even a few Dalek eyestalks half-buried in the sand.

He turned back to the stars, sipping his tea at the end of time, where all of the worst bits of the past washed up.

 

Or, in his case...the future...

Never Play Chess With Yourself - A Drabble

Seven moved his pawn carefully across the board.

Six allowed himself a small grin.

Too easy, he thought proudly to himself, He’s no good at all!

Moving his own piece, Six then leant back in his chair, arms folded defiantly, as he announced, “Check!”

“Mate,” was Seven’s unexpected reply, as, seemingly from nowhere, he moved another piece, overthrowing the Queen.

“What?” Six leapt to his feet in shock, appalled at this sudden turn-around.

“Maybe a pie eating contest would be more appropriate for you? You’ve certainly had the practice…”

Seven was slightly unnerved by the look his opponent gave him.

By Cory Eadson

Everything I Learned In Life, I Got From Doctor Who

#4 Eat Jelly Babies

 

Ok, I have a confession. I never used to like jelly babies. Many moons ago, back at Primary School, I'd lap up the Haribo's and the pick'n'mix chews like....well, like a hungry 8-year old boy! But when the box of jelly babies was passed around, I'd baulk and pass it on. They were too sweet and sickly for me, back then. After all, I was sweet enough (Stop laughing at the back)!

 

But I know that my tastes changed dramatically once I entered the bright blue doors of the TARDIS, into the crazy world of 'Doctor Who'. Watching Tom Baker munching on jelly babies, offering them to new friends, using them as weapons, automatically gave me a taste for them. Just like that, as Tommy Cooper might say. Probably.

 

As you seasoned Whovians will know, jelly babies were first utilised by Patrick Troughton's second incarnation of the Doctor, but it was number 4, Tom Baker, who made those edible children his own. He didn't just eat them, he used them to make friends. To show people he was on their side. To make peace with people. What a brilliant idea! And what a wonderful way to introduce yourself to someone! Hand shakes are boring and stiff. But jelly babies? They're colourful, they're tasty, and they're barmy! The perfect ice breaker.

 

I nearly always carry jelly babies around with me wherever I go. Bumping into charity workers in the street, meeting friends of friends, going to work or my radio station...Jelly babies always raise the mood! I even gave Frazer Hines and Colin Spaull a bag of them, after meeting the delightful chaps at a signing in a local Doctor Who shop.

So, if you're in an awkward situation with new people, and need a quick way to endear yourself to someone, rely on the tensile strength of jelly babies! It always works for me!

 

PS I have written a poem about jelly babies. I'll have to share it with you sometime...

 

 

For previous installments of 'Everything I Learned...':

#1 Talk To Strangers

#2 Drink Tea

#3 Be Yourself

The Page

 

 

Rest In Peace, Dinah Sheridan

Another sad loss in the 'Doctor Who' world today. Dinah Sheridan passed away at the ripe old age of 92. Dinah made her name starring in much-loved British dramas and comedies, such as Genevieve (1953) and The Railway Children (1970). She was also a regular guest on hit Channel 4 show Countdown during the 90s.

 

Sheridan made just one appearance in 'Doctor Who', in 1983's 'The Five Doctors', as Chancellor Flavia. A memorable role in a memorable and special story secured Sheridans' place in Who-history, and she will be remembered forever.

 

Rest In Peace, Dinah Sheridan.