EVIL SHEPHERD: HISTORY OF VIOLENCE - REVIEW
DISCOGRAPHY
PROMOTION
NAVIGATION
Evil Shepherd
History Of Violence
Demo 2008
This band from Belgium have been together for only a short time and yet manage to forge a very solid offering. Made up of (Tomminator - Bass) ex-Hyena (Wesley - Drums / Jonah - Vocals) and ex-Wreckage (Maes - Guitar) members, these guys put their talents and thirst together and come out with one hellish nightmare of a release. Hellish nightmare in that this is not something you give to your average 10 year old for Christmas because it will surely scare the hell out of them. You have to be bred on this style of music and you have to appreciate it's violent nature and vulgar intensity.
To start things off this self released demo "History Of Violence" immediately takes be back to the very early 80's, tape trading with friends and correspondents from around the country. Like those days this demo is raw and low-fi which makes this a bona fide thrash release. These five songs pound and pummel their way through an angry mob with force and leave all in their path dead. What you get is 101 riffs and a gatling drum shredding the minds and souls of all thrash metal die-hards. Many have come and gone while never capturing the essence of those early days like Evil Shepherd. "Till Death" starts with a sadistic laugh and kicks right in to an assault of guitar, bass and drums on a mission. The vocals are spat out as the band continues it's assault and conjures a mid-section that is slowed down just a bit (maybe long enough to chug a beer or two) and brings it back home. "Ritual" has a mid-paced riff to start things off but don't hold your breath waiting for it to continue because it won't happen. This band know two speeds ... fast and faster. The vocals are nothing short of perfect, especially in that old school style of thrash metal. The third track "Apathy on the Rise" is more of the same. Full throttle, no holds barred thrash from opening chord to ending vocal scream . Just three songs in and you'll need a neck brace from the all headbanging. The song "Evil Sheperd" gallops through riff and beat until it finds it's teeth ripping your flesh apart. This song is perhaps the highlight of the demo, the vocals peer through you while the guitar, bass and drums show you doorway to hell. The last track "Total War" after the opening guitar lick the drums just crack open your skull and punch your brain to death. (that's all I got to say about that)... oh, wait ... don't forget the guitar medley at the end of the disc. (old Susanna and Old McDonald) fucking kick ass !!!!
There seems to be a good foundation for building upon with Evil Shepherd. Loads of good solid riffs, hell fire vocals, the bombs of war bass lines and the fast and furious drums. When I think of thrash this is the type of band and sound that best relates to it's true nature. It's not melodic, it's not polished, it's just in your face raw, intense metal beyond all trends and corporate brainwashing. So if you want to experience what bona fide thrash sounds like just take a listen to "History Of Violence" by Evil Shepherd and you'll get the idea. This disc should appeal to fans of Whiplash, Sodom early Slayer, Exodus and Exciter. I'm not much for grading demos since it's not a finished product but none the less this demo is among the very best and deserve the highest of grades.
Band Website: www.myspace.com/evilshepherdthrash
Band Forum: www.hardnheavycommonwealth.com/forum
Witches Brew Record Label
HISTORY OF VIOLENCE - DEMO
SADISTIK LEGIONS - DEMO
SOWING DEATH:
WITCHES BREW - 2010
