VADER - Welcome To The Morbid Reich CD Review

ARTIST: Vader
TITLE: Welcome To The Morbid Reich
YEAR: 2011
LABEL: Nuclear Blast
REVIEWED BY: Caroline Restiaux

Vader's 10th studio album "Welcome to the Morbid Reich" is one example of why the band has been around for almost 30 years. Think about it for a second, 30 years, that's right, they've been around longer then half of you reading this review. Their longevity is due to hard work and perseverance. Like most bands that have been around for that long they too share their ups and downs in the history of their existence. Band members come and go but Vader's sound is here to stay! Their latest release is exactly what you would expect to come from the legendary Polish quartet. It's death metal served to you on a platter with thrash as an appetizer.

The cd starts off with the intro Ultima Thule which I think is a pointless beginning for a cd from a band of their stature. Thankfully the rest of the album is able to enduce a nose bleed or two. Peter's vocals dominate as usual but this time around he's added some high screams with his already guttural and unrelenting voice. Drummer James Stewart's pedal work and skin slapping is enough to satisfy those who were fans of when Doc was behind the drum kit. The cd has a collection of songs containing devastating riffs, aggression, brutality and bludgeoning. "I Am Who Feasts Upon Your Soul" is my favorite song and "Come and see my sacrifice" is f'n ridiculous. 'Decapitated Saints' might sound a bit familiar to you as it's a newer version of the tune from their 'Ultimate Incantation' cd.

Overall, you can never go wrong with Vader if you ask me. I do admit that this cd may not be better than their first few releases but it's damn better than 'Necropolis'. This album is Vader solidifying their sound for all to know that they are still kicking ass and hitting harder then ever. Aside from the killer tunes 'Welcome To The Morbid Reich' has interesting cover art and awesome production. This probably won't make my top 10 list this year because truth be told it's not really a stand out cd, to me it's Vader being Vader. They will always quench the listeners thirst but there really isn't anything 'new' to brag about here. I will always love these guys no matter what. Another release very well done!

TRACKLISTING:

01. Ultima Thule
02. Return To The Morbid Reich
03. The Black Eye
04. Come And See My Sacrifice
05. Only Hell Knows
06. I Am Who Feasts Upon Your Soul
07. Don't Rip The Beast's Heart Out
08. I Had A Dream
09. Lord Of Thorns
10. Decapitated Saints
11. They Are Coming
12. Black Velvet And Skulls Of Steel