Release
date: April 12th
2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD
No Trials For Traitors – Tracklisting
1.Fogrot
04:11
2.Sulde
03:13
3.Stones
of Morax 04:19
4.Kreyp-Hang-er
03:11
5.The
Corsair 04:12
6.Hetfields
& McCoys 05:29
7.Downhill
Blues 02:57
8.For
Four 04:14
9.Doom
Year's Eve 03:40
10.Serpentborne
04:21
Band
Members:
Vocals:
Juan A. Baez III
Guitars:
Adam Wesolowski
Drums:
Tyler Trail
Bass/Backing
Vocals: Tony Bullard
Review:
I
first came across Undead Viking Mafia back in 2012 when I listened to
their blistering debut album Resurgens which I reviewed back when I
was The Sludgelord. Fast forward 4 years later and the guys have
finally returned with their new album – No Trials For Traitors.
Since
then the guys have added a lot more volume and sludge based ferocity
to their sound as this album is packed full of different noises to
get your fists pumping in the air. What makes this album such a great
listen is how the band merge different sounds such as Sludge, Stoner,
Punk, Hardcore and Southern Metal for one exciting violent wild ride.
Opening tracks Fogrot, Sulde and Stones Of Morax show that the band
have a deep love for all things NOLA based as they take influence
from Down, C.O.C and other bands of that ilk. Juan's vocals feel they
merged in the legendary NOLA scene as you can hear a heavy Phil
Anselmo vibe.
Undead
Viking Mafia make it count where it matters and that's with the
riffs. These guys excel in playing heavy fast-paced riffs that are
made for rocking the fuck out to. Sure it might not sound original
but these guys are still worth checking out as No Trials For Traitors
has a dark underbelly running through it. Shades of PANTERA start to
appear here and there especially near the start of the album and
towards the very end.
This
album is the sign of a band having a damn good time and they have
written a strong collection of tracks that will get all you
riff-loving NOLA/Southern Metal fans shouting from the rooftops to
join the Undead Viking Mafia revolution. And on this evidence it's a
damn good place to be.
Other
great songs to check out are: Kreyp-Hang-er, Hetfields & McCoys,
For Four (which features vocals from Max Rebel of ace German Rockers
– PLAINRIDE) and Doom Year's Eve.
You
can tell from the awesome album cover and the song titles that this
album has quite rebellious streak running through it's veins. This
album is very rebellious and is not afraid to unleash some heavy
violent riffs when the time calls for it. Juan's vocals range from
clean based vocals to more aggressive death based growls whilst still
offering a heartfelt approach.
One
of the stand-out things about the album is the production. It sounds
super fresh and crisp. I was originally expecting a lo-fi sound but
Undead Viking Mafia, Michael Lester and Daniel Ernest knocked it out
of the park for this release. It sounds intense from the word go. No
Trials For Traitors is 10 songs of pure high voltage fun. It isn't
going to change the world of rock but damn these guys know how to
have fun and they deliver the fucking goods from start to finish. Do
yourself a favour and check out this excellent album now.
Words
by Steve Howe
Links:
