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In these days of downloads it's much easier to pick the best bits and ignore the dross. It's not that Emil Bulls deal in dross exactly; it's just some elements of the band are too heavy for my taste. If you like screamed male vocals and heavy riffing guitars then you'll enjoy Emil Bulls angst-driven alternative rock. If you are a more gentle soul there is still stuff to enjoy, but you have to wade through the metaphorical sweaty mosh-pit to get there.
"To End All Wars" and "The Most Evil Spell" are blustering rock outs. The latter does blend slightly lighter moments, but I wonder if this sort of anger isn't the preserve of youth? The press release talks coyly of the band's 'tender age' without giving us concrete facts. "All In Tune With The Universe" sounds like a harder-edged HIM. There are still shouty bits but work well with the more tuneful side of the band. Singer Christoph von Freydorf packs the following line with real emotion: 'You're in tune with the universe/The sun goes down on me.' Nothing about this song would scare a NFD fan, though Emil Bulls are definitely more rock than Goth. "Pledge Alliance To The Damned (The Unseen One)" has the histrionics of Muse. There's a mix of sung and shouted vocals, though I'd prefer the emphasis to be laid on the former. Who likes to be shouted at? "Wolfsstunde" has enticing cascading guitars and a chorus you can hum. There's also a roving bass line on the prowl. Christoph offers 'fornication and debauchery' and you can't say fairer than that can you? This album was recorded in a cabin in on the mountains near the German/Austrian border. Listening to this song it's easy to see how the band communed with nature. "Nothingness" is a noisy mess until two minutes in, when the instruments drop away. Then the mess returns. Well, you can't have everything. It's an exhausting listen, which will suit the energetic. "Collapsed Memorials" kicks off with some Black Sabbath-style riffing. Guitar solo fans are also well catered for. "Close To The Wind" features Christoph displaying an attractive vulnerability: 'Won't you help me/I've lost my way again...' There is some keyboard, which adds emotional poignancy and variety to the sound. The quiet/loud dynamic keeps the listener interested. "Worlds Apart" starts like the heavier side Rage Against The Machine then veers into the lighter side of Linkin Park territory. It seems as if the two sides of the band are competing for dominance. "Pure Anger (The Hex)" is one for the Twin Peaks fans out there. 'Fire walk with me' implores Christoph. The song hits hardest when three minutes in the volume is turned down. "10050" includes an intriguing line about a situation being akin to finding 'superglue in your eyedrops', which is surely an arresting image. Albeit an unpleasant one. "Cigarette Scars" features creative riffing overload and some soul searching lyrics. "Glad To Be With You Again" brings things to a rousing finale, showcasing the more tuneful side of the band. For my money there's too much raucous shouting and heavy riffing, but if you like your music on the heavy side then check Emil Balls out. |
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