### Grimlord: V-column

#### 04/08/13 || The Duff

Okay, so Grimlord are not well liked here at GD, but to give them credit, they got back in touch with us over their new album, “V Column”. I said I didn’t like it at first, e-mailed them, and once more to their credit they said I should pursue with the review. In giving this some actual time, I’m glad to say it has paid off.

The main detractor of this record are the vocals, but then I’m assuming the vocals of Mille Petrozza (early Kreator) or an ill will to learn English AND how to sing were a major inspiration for “V-Column”, we’re hardly at the three tenors merged with Shakespeare, and so ultimately these remain quite endearing.

The musical influences marry up with the ol’ Polish legends too, so don’t be expecting nothing fancy in these them parts here. There is a charm with the naivety of this band; they are playing so much from the heart of a style that has long ago died, and therein lies its value.

Other, more how you say, exotic influences remind me a little of early Children of Bodom (you have to listen to the synthesizers to believe them), all with guitar/keyboard interplay, and acoustic guitar parts acting both as interludes and Opethian segues.

And then “King of Dead” which, and I’m not saying this to be mean, Arnold Schwarzenegger singing Iron Maiden.

You only have to listen to the busier drum sections or the guitar solos to know Grimlord are not slouches as musicians, they are simply living in an older time, a cross between Motorhead and early, classic thrash a la Kreator and Maiden gallop.

I have to give this band kudos; they are not a good band, but they are so fucking passionate its unreal. It feels like no level of criticism I write will change their quest for glory. With modest musical abilities, questionable progressive touches, and otherwise the very spirit of metal, I can only hope they not be dispirited by anyone, least of all me.

- Information
- Released: 2012
- Label: Legacy Records
- Website: www.grimlord.eu
- Band
- Barth la Picard: guitars, vocals
- Ryshak: guitars (rhythm)
- Caspero: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Fifth Column
- 02. Mass Delusions & Hysterias
- 03. Prolegomena
- 04. Posthumous Coronation
- 05. King Is Dead …
- 06. Dead Bodies Don’t Swim
- 07. Faithful Avenger Till The Remainder
- 08. March Again
- 09. Superconscious
- 10. Widerstand
- 11. The essence of warfare