Album Review: Deathonator - Race Against The Sun
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Concept albums. Where do you stand? Some metal fans love a good concept release. Others despise the often-overblown pomp that accompanies such projects. Well, here’s a new one for you to get your teeth into (ouch – terrible pun. Sorry!). London’s Dethonator’s fourth long player search deep into the world of classic horror to bring a dramatic concept piece based on Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. A 40-minute narrative delivered in seven continuous movements, this will either entice you or drive you for the off switch. But stick around. It’s really rather good.
Dethonator have been around since the early 2000s. Originally from the East Midlands and functioning as Kaleb, the band changed name to Dethonator in 2009. The band comprises vocalist and guitarist Tris Lineker, guitarist Henry Brooks, bassist Adz Lineker and drummer Johnny Mo. Their most recent record, ‘Race Against the Sun: Part One’ was released in 2019, and originally intended to be part of a double album release with ‘Part Two’. As it is, ‘Part Two’ stands proud from start to finish.
The gentle opening to ‘For The Dead Travel Fast’ sets the scene. You can visualise the moon behind the racing black clouds as the wolves’ howl, before the welcome is given from Dracula himself. From there it’s time to buckle the seatbelt on a whirlwind ride of dramatic metal which rarely slows. It’s power metal in its purest form, the harmonies in the vocals are rich and clear, the guitar work frenetic in the best Helloween style, and the music is superbly crafted.
Now, if you dislike power metal, don’t discount this album because it is more than heads down speed. Each track segues neatly into the next, with Dethonator unafraid to use synths and other effects, such as the harpsichord style intro on ‘Transylvanian Ways’. The singing is likely to divide opinion, the powerful tenor delivery which enhances the narrative of the Count may not be everyone’s flavour, but for me it’s part of the allure. Gloriously overblown in parts, you can hear the Blind Guardian influence in parts, the delicious melodies combining with some blistering drumming as the story and concept develops.
‘Race Against the Sun: Part Two’ contains seven tracks that range from two minutes to over seven in length. The album powers along, flashing by in an instant and demanded a replay as soon as it’s finished. With a clean, solid production and the music played with aplomb, this is an album that is really worth a listen.
