By Brian Kim
It turns out that spastic proggy metal can also be catchy and infectious, and Bellingham’s rising stars Wild Throne (previously known as Dog Shredder) have mastered the act of walking this tightrope on their debut 12” Blood Maker.
Without a doubt, Blood Maker shows a clear and exceptional evolution of the band since Dog Shredder’s previous Brass Tactics EP. While the band still retains the explosive energy and virtuoso musical ability that made Dog Shredder infamous, they’ve developed a strong knack for writing razor sharp hooks and sweetly sticky vocal melodies that really push the songs to a new level. The ridiculous guitar shredding, the maelstrom of drums and furious bass are all still present, but simply take a small step back from the overall structure and songwriting of Blood Maker.
“The Wrecking Ball Unchained” starts off this incendiary three track EP with drummer Noah Burns hammering a savage beat as vocalist and guitarist Josh Holland displays a surprisingly pristine singing voice. Without allowing the listener get too comfortable with this serene introduction to the record, the band kicks in with their signature blend of frenzied mathy progressive metal riffage. Bass player Jeff Johnson holds down a rugged rhythm as Holland conjures volatile shrieks from his guitar and belts out howling vocals. The catchy vocal melody of the intro is brought back a few more times, but keeps from feeling too repetitive with a wide array of thrashing instrumental sections in between. “Shadow Deserts” was released via music video late last year, and appears as the second track on Blood Maker. Starting things off with a chaotic assault from every angle and simmering down into a driving drum and bass verse, “Shadow Deserts” does a great job of combining a sound Dog Shredder fans will find comfortably familiar while adding a bit more melody and conventional structure. The lengthy and escalating bridge in this track should satisfy anyone who doubts Wild Throne’s ability to shred face. Closing with the title track “Blood Maker”, Wild Throne end things with the heaviest track on the record, throwing down pummeling, unforgiving riffs. This track begs for a slow and steady banging of heads, and as the song progresses, Holland unleashes a ferocious, ear-splitting guitar solo to bring down the heavens that smoothly transitions into the epic ending of the song and record.
Without any comparison to previous Dog Shredder recordings, or any stigma or expectations of what this record should be, Blood Maker is a profoundly enjoyable debut release from Wild Throne, impressive and satisfying in all the right ways, and catchy enough to demand repeat listens.
Blood Maker is out now, listen to “Shadow Deserts” on Wild Throne’s Bandcamp page at http://wildthrone.bandcamp.com and then order the 12” vinyl from Brutal Panda Records at http://brutalpandarecords.com/shop/wild-throne-blood-maker-12.
