Review by Felix on April 29, 2019.

Thrash metal thunderstorm! I am really impressed. Distillator from the Netherlands achieve a level of intensity that many of their competitors do not even reach in their wildest dreams. A maximum of density coalesces with an overdose of determination and passion. They romp like hyperactive children who have consumed the entire stocks of energy drinks of their chemicals-loving parents. (Due to many recommendations of an absolutely perfect woman, I have also begun to drink this healthy liquid. Unfortunately, I haven't even achieved the smallest degree of perfection so far... but I guess this does not matter in this context.) Furthermore, they know the roots of this unique music style. Of course, it is impossible to improve a classic like "Black Magic", but Distillator's adaption is probably the worthiest Slayer cover ever. The fury, the precision, the explosiveness after the intro sequence, the breathtaking velocity and the ear-splitting, well-dosed old school high-pitched screams - so many single components give this monument new life. Slayer loses against their own composition! I don't need to learn new lyrics! Fantastic! It's great to listen to this crossfire, even though the band does not need to pick up other people's compositions. Their own songs also trigger a violent orgy of devastation and leave no stone unturned. 

Already the short intro brings the dead back to life in view of its mind-blowing, raid-like guitars. "Perceiving Presence" and the marginally less thunderous "Gates of Autonomy" split skulls in abundance as well, but everything culminates with the absolutely larger than life thrash metal inferno called "Swarm Intelligence". Of course, already Eruption knew that "nothing stops the swarm", but Distillator are much more furious, ecstatic and reckless than their competitors from Slovenia. (Nevertheless, everybody with a weakness for great thrash must check Eruption as well.) In short, if Distillator release a full-length of that quality and with such a powerful, clear but not sterile production, the kings of furious, modern thrash (Terrifier - whoever else?) could be confronted with the fact that their throne begins to crumble. Be that as it may, Distillator deserve no less than 100% for this riotous demonstration of power, might and frenzy. (A worthy percentage for review 1.111, isn't it?)

It goes without saying that Space Chaser from Germany have no chance against the Dutch domination. (But at the same time, they profit from the strength of their partners as long as we cannot give two ratings for split albums of two bands.) The five-piece follows a less brutal approach and sometimes they remind me of the more vehement songs of Trauma's debut "Scratch and Scream". But they don't lack currishness and do their best to add value to the split as well; and, by the way, they are successful. Does the band deliver anything new? No, but the dudes know their craft and their mid-harsh thrash compositions show no major deficiencies. Only minor details like the slightly vapid intro or the rather feeble background vocals hurt the coherent overall picture, while the traditional lead vocals reveal an unexpected variety. The lead singer sounds like the little brother of Bobby Blitz. However, Sanctuary, early Anthrax and Overkill shimmer through the songs and these are good references. You see, Space Chaser are anything but a bunch of incompetent losers. Both their own compositions (especially "Virus" and "Waves") and the cover version hit the nail on the head. Their only misfortune is that they are put together with an enemy in top form. 76% for their strong performance and for you, dear reader, the recommendation to get this split as soon as possible.

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Review by Felix on June 4, 2024.

Usually I believe that tradition beats any trend, but sometimes it is necessary to break the tradition. After two albums with alarmingly weak openers (“Up the Hammer” and “Rock Your Bottom”), “Ruling the World” starts with one of the best songs in the history of Tyrant. “Burn You” is kicked off by a few atmospheric guitar tones before the song gains tempo and power. The up-tempo number cruises somewhere between heavy and speed metal and its liveliness whets the appetite for more. Good start, to say the least, and it’s just a side aspect that the guitar solo reminds me of the one of Steeler’s title track for “Rulin’ the Earth”. More remarkable is that it looks like every German wants to rule the world or the earth, but that was already the case before Steeler or Tyrant appeared on the metallic radar.

Tyrant had lost 50% of the line-up of “Running Hot”, but the song formula had not been significantly affected by this change. Lead vocalist Kerrmit and his loyal guitarist, who now combined his former names to “King Carl Tomaschko” had hired a new rhythm section and additionally a new second guitar player had entered the stage (not the pig that had sent greetings from the artwork of “Running Hot”). But the only difference to “Running Hot” was a more serious approach, a more metallic one, a higher degree of the well appreciated “we don’t care what you think about us” attitude. At least the first four pieces mirror this newly gained seriousness, while the relatively senseless “Wild Cats” marks a relapse into the old system of (not very funny) excursions. It’s true, old habits die hard – but all the more I like the slightly dark undertone of the first songs…

...and I fall into desperation when I hear the useless, inadequate electronic gimmicks in “She Makes Me Hot (Hot)”. You guessed it, the song is as embarrassing as its title. If you want to murder your integrity in a matter of secords, integrate such a song on an album that actually follows the tried and tested dogma of solid metal. It has nothing in common with the dragging title track which spreads more or less meaningful vibes or with “Beat It” and its earthy riffing. But okay, I don’t want to be too picky. After all, “Ruling the World” is the best album of Tyrant, at least in my humble opinion. The songs leave a comparatively high impact, the production is adequate as always and the artwork is a bit kitschy, but by far not as infantile as the one of “Running Hot”. Anyway, four albums were enough or even more than enough from this band and I wonder that Kerrmit is still active with a new line-up. Maybe I should praise his stamina, but honestly speaking, I don’t think that many people hope to get new Tyrant songs. Not because this would be a bad thing per se, but the scene has already more (second tier) bands than it can swallow.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review by Felix on June 4, 2024.

Usually I believe that tradition beats any trend, but sometimes it is necessary to break the tradition. After two albums with alarmingly weak openers (“Up the Hammer” and “Rock Your Bottom”), “Ruling the World” starts with one of the best songs in the history of Tyrant. “Burn You” is kicked off by a few atmospheric guitar tones before the song gains tempo and power. The up-tempo number cruises somewhere between heavy and speed metal and its liveliness whets the appetite for more. Good start, to say the least, and it’s just a side aspect that the guitar solo reminds me of the one of Steeler’s title track for “Rulin’ the Earth”. More remarkable is that it looks like every German wants to rule the world or the earth, but that was already the case before Steeler or Tyrant appeared on the metallic radar.

Tyrant had lost 50% of the line-up of “Running Hot”, but the song formula had not been significantly affected by this change. Lead vocalist Kerrmit and his loyal guitarist, who now combined his former names to “King Carl Tomaschko” had hired a new rhythm section and additionally a new second guitar player had entered the stage (not the pig that had sent greetings from the artwork of “Running Hot”). But the only difference to “Running Hot” was a more serious approach, a more metallic one, a higher degree of the well appreciated “we don’t care what you think about us” attitude. At least the first four pieces mirror this newly gained seriousness, while the relatively senseless “Wild Cats” marks a relapse into the old system of (not very funny) excursions. It’s true, old habits die hard – but all the more I like the slightly dark undertone of the first songs…

...and I fall into desperation when I hear the useless, inadequate electronic gimmicks in “She Makes Me Hot (Hot)”. You guessed it, the song is as embarrassing as its title. If you want to murder your integrity in a matter of secords, integrate such a song on an album that actually follows the tried and tested dogma of solid metal. It has nothing in common with the dragging title track which spreads more or less meaningful vibes or with “Beat It” and its earthy riffing. But okay, I don’t want to be too picky. After all, “Ruling the World” is the best album of Tyrant, at least in my humble opinion. The songs leave a comparatively high impact, the production is adequate as always and the artwork is a bit kitschy, but by far not as infantile as the one of “Running Hot”. Anyway, four albums were enough or even more than enough from this band and I wonder that Kerrmit is still active with a new line-up. Maybe I should praise his stamina, but honestly speaking, I don’t think that many people hope to get new Tyrant songs. Not because this would be a bad thing per se, but the scene has already more (second tier) bands than it can swallow.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review by Felix on June 4, 2024.

Usually I believe that tradition beats any trend, but sometimes it is necessary to break the tradition. After two albums with alarmingly weak openers (“Up the Hammer” and “Rock Your Bottom”), “Ruling the World” starts with one of the best songs in the history of Tyrant. “Burn You” is kicked off by a few atmospheric guitar tones before the song gains tempo and power. The up-tempo number cruises somewhere between heavy and speed metal and its liveliness whets the appetite for more. Good start, to say the least, and it’s just a side aspect that the guitar solo reminds me of the one of Steeler’s title track for “Rulin’ the Earth”. More remarkable is that it looks like every German wants to rule the world or the earth, but that was already the case before Steeler or Tyrant appeared on the metallic radar.

Tyrant had lost 50% of the line-up of “Running Hot”, but the song formula had not been significantly affected by this change. Lead vocalist Kerrmit and his loyal guitarist, who now combined his former names to “King Carl Tomaschko” had hired a new rhythm section and additionally a new second guitar player had entered the stage (not the pig that had sent greetings from the artwork of “Running Hot”). But the only difference to “Running Hot” was a more serious approach, a more metallic one, a higher degree of the well appreciated “we don’t care what you think about us” attitude. At least the first four pieces mirror this newly gained seriousness, while the relatively senseless “Wild Cats” marks a relapse into the old system of (not very funny) excursions. It’s true, old habits die hard – but all the more I like the slightly dark undertone of the first songs…

...and I fall into desperation when I hear the useless, inadequate electronic gimmicks in “She Makes Me Hot (Hot)”. You guessed it, the song is as embarrassing as its title. If you want to murder your integrity in a matter of secords, integrate such a song on an album that actually follows the tried and tested dogma of solid metal. It has nothing in common with the dragging title track which spreads more or less meaningful vibes or with “Beat It” and its earthy riffing. But okay, I don’t want to be too picky. After all, “Ruling the World” is the best album of Tyrant, at least in my humble opinion. The songs leave a comparatively high impact, the production is adequate as always and the artwork is a bit kitschy, but by far not as infantile as the one of “Running Hot”. Anyway, four albums were enough or even more than enough from this band and I wonder that Kerrmit is still active with a new line-up. Maybe I should praise his stamina, but honestly speaking, I don’t think that many people hope to get new Tyrant songs. Not because this would be a bad thing per se, but the scene has already more (second tier) bands than it can swallow.

Rating: 7 out of 10