Graveripper's 'From Welkin to Tundra' Review: A Bold Evolution or a Missed Opportunity?
Graveripper, the Indiana-based blackened thrash metal band, has been making waves since 2019 with their unique blend of aggressive and melodic sounds. Their 2023 debut album, 'Seasons Dreaming Death', received positive reviews, but it was their recent release, 'From Welkin to Tundra', that truly caught our attention. This album marks a significant shift in the band's lineup, with guitarist and vocalist Corey Parks making a bold decision to replace all original members, leaving only him and new additions Steve Garcia (bass) and Nick James (drums) to carry the torch. This move raises the question: has Graveripper successfully evolved their sound, or is this new iteration still finding its footing?
The album's cover art, designed by Adam Burke, sets the tone with its bleak and dark imagery, hinting at the band's further embrace of the black metal genre. The instrumental intro, 'Welkin, Now Tundra', showcases Graveripper's ability to seamlessly blend thrash and black metal elements. Corey Parks' guitar work is as ferocious as ever, with rapid-fire riffs and vocal barks that will leave you breathless. Steve Garcia's bass lines provide a solid foundation, while Nick James' drumming keeps the rhythm tight and intense.
One of the standout tracks, 'Death's Cold Embrace', pays homage to the Midwest thrash scene, with its aggressive and catchy riffs. However, Graveripper truly shines when they merge their thrash and black metal influences. 'New Gods, New Masters' showcases their ability to create a dark and atmospheric sound, reminiscent of Aura Noir, while '…And Now It's Dark' adds a touch of dissonance, drawing comparisons to Dissection. This blend of styles gives 'From Welkin to Tundra' a unique and cohesive feel.
While Graveripper may not have achieved the same level of complexity as some of their peers, their execution is impeccable. Tracks like 'Bring Upon Pain' and 'Hexenhammer' showcase their talent for creating catchy and memorable riffs, with old-school Kreator vibes and blackened tremolos. The album's closing tracks, 'Bullet Laden Crown' and 'Burning Barren Plains', are absolute masterpieces, featuring Megadethic melodicism and blistering riffs that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
However, there are a few aspects of 'From Welkin to Tundra' that left us wanting more. The pacing of the album, particularly from 'Death's Cold Embrace' to 'Hounds of Hell', feels a bit monotonous, with each track blending into the next. Additionally, while Parks' solo skills are impressive, there's a noticeable lack of extended guitar solos throughout the album. Incorporating more extended solos could elevate Graveripper's sound to new heights.
Despite these minor shortcomings, 'From Welkin to Tundra' is a solid and impressive step forward for Graveripper. The band's ability to merge thrash and black metal seamlessly is commendable, and their new lineup seems to have found a good balance. Indiana's metal scene is thriving, and Graveripper, alongside bands like Wraith and Wolftooth, is contributing to its success. With a little more emphasis on extended solos, they could reach even greater heights.
Overall, 'From Welkin to Tundra' is a must-listen for fans of thrash and black metal. While it may not be a perfect album, it showcases Graveripper's growth and potential. So, don't miss out on this exciting evolution in the world of metal!
