Batillus - Official Website


Concrete Sustain

United States Country of Origin: United States

1. Red Tide Rising
2. Stand For Something
4. The Filthy & The Few
5. Save Me From Myself
6. The Fog
7. Return To Mars
8. Death Of Aquarius
9. The Bishops Wolf
10. A Eulogy For The Damned
2. Cast
3. Beset
4. Mirrors
5. Rust
6. Thorns


Review by JD on August 11, 2013.

First looking at the name of the band on this EP I had got sent to me and I was expecting old school Black Metal or a take on Thrash. Either of which I would have been ecstatic about hearing anyways but on this occasion, this all was not the case. What you have here is truly old school Heavy Metal.

Sounding sort of like a stripped down Angel Witch, Motorhead and others like it in the NWOBHM movement with a little old school Punk as well. Californian based Night Demon takes you back to a time when metal was delivered simply and powerfully that never missed to blow our minds. No technical leads that go for six plus minutes, no nasty growled Death vocals or blistering speed of extremeness here – just basic and fun metal that seems to transcend from the early 80’s to today.

I love the simple, yet unmistakable catchiness this trio gives, while still being heavy as well. With four songs, it is a short experience, but one that brings me back to when I was first listening to all things metal. Just in hearing the title track with its uncomplicated hook, it is then when it shows the power of the simpler older styles of metal to still move and entertain. This original style of metal may not be technical, deeply heavy or one that pummels you with unending blastbeats but the music still commands a high level of respect despite being pretty basic.

I found the EP a refreshing change from the more modern styles out there. It may seem dated, but give it a try. Sometimes going with an uncomplicated plan of attack, reaps mega rewards of being so enjoyable. Night Demon has utilized this to perfection. The album is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but enjoyment sometimes can’t be complicated.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 7
Originality: 7
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 6.9 out of 10

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Review by Adam M on February 3, 2012.

Orange Goblin put their best foot forward towards the Stoner/Doom genre and come out with a winner in "A Eulogy For The Damned". The riffs are massive and the songs incredibly catchy. One band that immediately comes to mind is Cathedral circa "The Ethereal Mirror" as a similar rollicking nature is on display here. There’s also a slight Southern flavour with the band as well that likens them to outfits like Down or Kyuss as seen in 'Save Me From Myself'.

When everything is put together, a very promising start to 2012 is seen through the eyes of the band. An aura of fun, excitement and energy is what might be needed to bolster the year into an interesting frame of mind. Beneath the punishing riffs, there are layers of emotion to be found as well. This can be throughout the length of the material which comes to an appropriately entertaining conclusion with the title track, which is possibly the best to be found on the entire album. There are a lot of grooves on every song that make the album stand out with a glowing positive energy that only the best albums of the Doom and Stoner genres can provide and the band sounds very energized as a whole.

Still, it’s hard to say if this quite holds up to the quality of an album like "Blues For The Red Sun" or "The Ethereal Mirror" as a whole, because a few moments aren’t quite as gloriously powerful as others. For the most part though, this album is an excellent foray into the Doom/Stoner genres that should be listened to by fans of both sub-genres.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.9 out of 10

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Review by Adam M on March 4, 2014.

Batillus utilizes a scathing industrial sound. They are for people that like a simple rhythm and not many extras. The industrial period the band portrays is largely reminiscent of the introductory phase that Godflesh used ages ago.

This is shown by the static that is emanated from the band. It indicates a preference towards people that enjoy electronic music as well. The repetitive nature of the riffing makes for a similarity to dance music slightly, but the heaviness certainly brings forth the metal aspect of the band.

In terms of vocals, there are a variety of shrieks in a deep tone that is perhaps reminiscent of Godflesh again. They tend to be quite acidic, yet fit in with the remainder of the performances quite well overall.

In terms of musicianship, a repetitiveness is kept intact that always is catchy, yet malevolent. The atmosphere is pretty sparse created by the music, but it is kept in check by efficient use of percussion at all times. At times the music is violent. At others it remains subtle and appropriate. There is no need to be overly extreme if one can maintain a good backdrop otherwise. At the moments when the music is scathing, the addictiveness is brought to the forefront to make things interesting at the moment. Bass is used as a undertone as seen from the chunky “Beset” and never interferes with the percussion, which is usually at the front of the musical display.

In terms of albums from last year, Concrete Sustain isn't the best album, but it remains an honorable mention. More adventurous techniques would be needed to make this one of the absolute best albums. The catchy and screaming approach of the musicians is a strong one that will keep you coming back for more and longer listens.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 8.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

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