Reviewed by Liam True
Having released their eighth studio album back in January last year and already putting out another offering fourteen months later, you may think this would be a bad move for some bands. Concrete Age however, aren’t in that list.
Over the past fourteen years Concrete Age have developed their style of thrash infused folk metal to a great degree. Opening track Raida Rada starts with a chant before Boris Zahariev rips into a frenzied guitar riff as drummer Davide Marini blasts behind with absolute venom in his double bass kicks. You’d be forgiven thinking that it’s not a folk metal style album as it’s not until the latter half for Raida Rada we get anything remotely folky in nature. Then the flutes and folk-like drums echo through the rest of the song, and consequently, the rest of the album.
Battle Of The Caucasus Kicks off with more of a killer riff that Raida Rada did adding to the thrashy element of the album with a boot to the face. Do you want a headbangers paradise? Raida Rada will break it. Do you want a slower ballad? Nomads itches the scratch. Do you prefer a folky dance anthem? Shalaho is for you. It’s difficult to even pick the best stand out track, just throw a dart and you’ll find a banger wherever it lands. Concrete Age are like a fine wine. They’re better the longer they marinade in their own creative juices.
Hell, back-to-back the entire album is golden and full of moments that are both memorable and neck breaking. Ilia Morozov’s vocals throughout the album particularly are sublime. From his death metal-tinged growls on Raida Rada to the slower yet still powerful Nomads. Doubled with the crisp production sound on the album, Motherlands is a catchy & flame-filled ten track masterpiece.
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