By Kat Preston
It's been two years since Paranoia, but Martyrdöd are storming back this summer with Elddop, 14 crusty-as-fuck, catchier-than-a-summer-cold tracks that'll have you champing at the bit and raging like a downright lunatic. Taking a subtle-step upward, Elddop has a distinct twist in direction without sounding at all dissimilar to their already established sound. Full of even more memorable riffs and constant shredding in various degrees throughout, I'm finding it hard to locate a moment where you get to get a chance to breathe and really absorb what's going on... but I guess that isn't so much the point here- the point is to roll with it like an out of control juggernaut until it ends, leaving you (and whatever happened to get in the way) well and truly broken (in a good way of course).
By absolutely no means short, this record is full of veritable epics, and by the time you've reached the point of 'Oh, there's only two tracks left' with most other albums, you've still got a solid seven songs left. I'm only halfway through a first listen at this point, and I'm wondering what else these guys have in store to stay on-par with everything I've just heard... Who am I kidding? These guys just get better and better with every note they lay down. I'm not sure how this is possible, but they're most certainly proving it is.
There's a lot of atmospheric, nigh-on power-metal riffage going on here, a lot more than their previous albums, swaying this record toward a more metal leaning than a hardcore one. In fact, 'Martyren' is a perfect example of how they can ditch hardcore (almost) entirely and compose a truly moving, elevating an emotionally powerful piece of music plenty at home well outside their d-beat/crust sound.
Elddop is by far their most intricate and detailed record to date, comprising of peak after peak after peak. My only real criticism is that there’s possibly too many peaks, too many memorable and catchy riffs and hooks. Not that I’m complaining as such, I think it’s one of the best records I’ve heard this year- but with a little evaluation and consideration for those new to the band, it does land you in a hail of gunfire for a good 45 minutes. However, despite that, it’s definitely one of this year’s releases you should make an effort to try out, especially if you’ve never listened to these guys before.
Also, they're touring with Converge across Europe this coming week, starting in Paris and on to sunny ol' Blighty, so go grab a ticket, rock yer socks off and get sweaty!
FFO: Disfear, Tragedy, Victims.
