Review by Adam M on March 5, 2015.

Arcane merge so many different sounds from the heavy and dynamic to the subtle and powerful to craft a progressive album that is very distinct, though one can certainly hear some strains of the band Tool’s sound, for example. Every song has a wonderful array of instrumentation and many are absolute centerpieces for the progressive metal genre in general. How does the shift towards more gentle sounds on the second album function? Well, the approach certainly is unique, but unlike the musicianship, I’m not sure if it’s executed quite as elegantly. While the song-writing and performances always approach perfection, the balance of the album is perhaps a little less close to that moniker.

The use of guitars including the phenomenal acoustic ones used on this double album is absolutely phenomenal, though, whether the band occupies heavier or softer musical avenues. The album Tellurian by Soen also approaches the sound of the band Tool or even the band Dredg, but that quality album doesn’t even come close to the job that Arcane does at crafting their own distinct sound with a similar familiarity to Tool. Both the vocalist and bassist recall that band, but the other instrumentation that adds a different character to Arcane is even more dynamic and interesting than what Soen presents. Every track on this double album is also more successful at creating an involving atmosphere and is always complemented nicely by the dynamic vocals. The tone of the album is positive, uplifting and effective at all times. There are many moments that stick out on this double album, from the opening track Promise (Part 2) to the song Learned and on to many of the moments of the more subtle second album.

Arcane has set a standard for current progressive music that will be difficult to top and adds to Australia’s growing heavy metal prowess. As the launch date of the new Tool album approaches, one thing enters my mind. How will they top this brilliant new double album Known/Learned by Arcane?

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Denis on December 9, 2002.

Australia - The land down under. There isn’t much that we know about it besides that there are kangaroos, is there? This huge untamed territory located at the other end of the world for us North American’s bears many secrets. Unless you're a specialist of the music scene in that area, most people don't really know of many bands that come from there, particularly anything relating to metal. Earlier this year, I discovered a fantastic band called Virgin Black who came out with an amazing album, “Sombre Romantic”. However, there is more in Australia than I was expecting, and that would be Destroyer 666.

With Destroyer 666, another Aussie representative is knocking at my door. Should I open it? This one is much more scary looking than its Avant-garde predecessor. Then again, if you're a hard-core fan, your door must be wide open and you'll surely welcome this brutal beast, because I'm sure that these guys will perfectly fill your savage needs.

This is Destroyer 666’s third full-length release, aside from the two EPs, one MCD, and a demo produced by them since their debut in 1994. Prolific destroyers, if I may say! The music can best be described as being fast and straightforward death metal. The vocals are of the scary type but remain understandable in most parts. There are many good guitar parts with great riffs and solos, ready to please many fans by their excellent execution and sound. The drum and bass sections are rolling like a bulldozer in hell. However, by some force of black magic, all this managed to remain melodic and even at some point, catchy. Even for a non-hardcore fan, such as myself, I could only appreciate the work involved in creating something that has been written with this level of complexity, thus requiring a high level of musicianship to translate it into sound. ‘Clenched Fist,’ ‘Raped,’ and ‘Witch Hunter’ are perfect examples of this. On these songs, I was able to find some thrilling atmosphere, calmer guitar notes, nice vocal effects, and as it is the case with most of the songs, very good guitar riffs.

Bottom Line: If this massacre of fast execution doesn't make your head spin, then I don't know what will!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 7.5
Originality: 7
Production: 8.5
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by Felix on November 20, 2022.

The harbour of Hamburg is also called “the door to the world”. Only for the current German chancellor, it is no place that provides new perspectives, but a kind of gift for the most senior Chinese communist. Given this fact, it’s good to see the promo picture of Detraktor. The three dudes stand in front of the port cranes and do not look friendly. So far and no further, this seems to be their message to dubious politicians. Thus, it is no wonder that their music also does not intend to spread inviting vibes.

However, Hamburg not only has a harbour, but also a zoo. Therefore it is no surprise that the album starts with a 'Gorilla' and a 'Bear Fight'. Already these songs destroy any illusion – Detraktor did not jump into your living room just to have a comfortable seat on your couch. Their voluminous sound and their brutal material want to break your neck. Additionally, the ultra-raw voice pulls on the nerves (naturally in a positive way). But we are not made of sugar either and so we put our ears to the wind and defy the massacre. Maybe the band confuses Hamburg with Brooklyn. This could be the reason why they sound like a harsher version of Biohazard. Indeed, they do not stand in the tradition of the typical Bay Area sounds, it’s a more modern approach. Okay, Biohazard were modern 30 years ago… guess I need another example. Maybe you are familiar with the violence of Dew-Scented. The apocalyptic chorus of 'Gorilla' reminds me of this horde. (By the way, I enjoy the monkey-like “uh” screams – not to be confused with Tom Warrior’s “ugh”.)

High velocity is not the most important feature here. Detraktor also like to dish up grinding, dragging riffs. But from my point of view, the guys reach their best form in the moments whenever they let the blood run free. The dynamic and fierce 'Behave' holds some really great parts, only its solo does not fully convince. Honestly speaking, I miss further songs of this kind. But Detraktor have an affinity for pretty groovy sounds and it is no coincidence that the word “stomp” appears in the album’s name. That’s also okay, don’t get me wrong, because they present it with the maximum of destructive passion. 'Perro', for instance, offers a fine combination of these two elements. More or less modern Sepultura shimmers through the notes of this track. As said before, that’s a cool thing – perhaps it’s just my personal old-school taste that forces me to lament. Forgive me, but I only feel good if I have a reason to feel slightly bad as well! From this follows that it’s a good thing that 'Seven' is much too long (precisely seven minutes, surprise!). It sounds like its own live version with a lot of space for instrumental excursions.

Full Body Stomp stands for some expressive riffs, a massive production, a tightly playing combo and a massive portion of anger, but it also houses some parts that do not give me much. The hardcore vibes should play a less prominent role and I recognize a slow but steady loss of quality as the album progresses. Nevertheless, this work surely makes a statement in its niche. Xi Jinping, beware!

Rating: 6.8 out of 10

Review by Allan on April 18, 2002.

Lately I’ve been having trouble finding some bands than can captivate me. It’s like I’ve drained the metal scene for everything it has, but obviously not. I guess I have to look harder. So, that’s why I was surprised when I was introduced to Destroyer 666 with their most recent album, “Cold Steel for an Iron Age”. Two CD’s and two EP’s later, Destroyer 666 is making new fans for obvious reasons.

I kind of expected possibly something typical from this band, for no reason really. I kind of figured they were some band with no innovation or idea of musicianship. Don’t ask me why, but that’s just what hit me before I listened to the music. Though, nowhere near my assumptions, I was pleasantly surprised by how tight this outfit turned out to be.

With nine tracks of Australian “War metal”, I was quickly consumed by the epic atmosphere of “Cold Steel...”. I’m sure many people are asking themselves what exactly is “War metal”. Well, I’d say it has a lot to do with the atmosphere. Ever listen to “Hammerheart”-era Bathory? This album definitely has that type of atmosphere, and that’s partly where term comes from. Don’t get the idea that Destroyer 666 is like a Bathory clone though. They play their own style of epic death and thrash metal. Every song draws very much upon itself to support its ideas, instead of another song. This means that the songs are all unique in there on way while still retaining enough in common that the album is consistent.

The band touches many different aspects. You’ve got tracks that have a lot of groove throughout. This is evident on tracks such as ‘Raped’ and ‘Sons of Perdition’. It’s just got the ability to really get you banging your head. Or you’ve got tracks that are just all out aggressive metal, such as on ‘Savage Pitch’. Then there are those tracks that really incorporate the atmosphere to its full effect, such as ‘Witch Hunter’ and ‘Raped’. It’s also nice to hear a few different vocal approaches. You’ve got black vocals on ‘Shadow’, and then death vocals on 'Black City', or maybe a combination of both on a song like ‘Sons of Perdition’. Also, it’s great to have war-like chants throughout the album acting as a backdrop for the songs. While taking only enough tips from their inspirations and still applying themselves to their music, the band has come up with an excellent piece of work.

Bottom Line: Destroyer 666 is a strong act. Not only are they making great music, but are somewhat unique. I can’t tell you what this is like compared to previous efforts, but if it’s anything like their back catalogue, I’m in for a few more albums of excellent music.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

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

Rating: 8 out of 10