Tyrant – Reclaim the Flame
Listenable Records – 2008
By Adam McAuley
Fairly primitive black metal is what
Tyrant play here with parallels to early
Celtic Frost. The grainy production of the album is one of its defining traits and this suits the style of the band quite well, although it may not be entirely enjoyable. A raw sound is emitted by the band, but it isn't so harsh that one would consider the music purely of the harshest black metal type for example. However, the speed of the music is quite reasonable if not fast, making it even more difficult to define overall.
The band manage to carve out a inconsistent sounding platter that has potential, but is mired by a rough texture and tedious instrumental stylings. Dissonance is created by the band, however, it isn't enough to create an ingenious musical experience in the way
Celtic Frost are capable of doing. The pure nihilistic sound of the album again could be promising, but instead drags them down slightly because of an ugly approach that doesn't let it become enamoring. Instrumental performances are unspectacular and don't particularly boost up the drudgy sound of the album overall, although the vocal styling of D.F. Bragman are gruff and appropriate for the underlying soundscapes.
As such, a standard vibe is crafted throughout the length of Reclaim the Flame and standout tracks are difficult to choose like
Celtic Frost were able to craft with the likes of "Necromantical Screams" for example. Overall,
Reclaim the Flame is a standard affair that ends up boring you to an extent, but has just enough hints of fun to be worth a short listen.
Official Tyrant My Space
Official Listenable Records Website
