Friday, April 26, 2019

UNU-T 4 5 - Breath of Ahriman EP review



UNU-T 4 5 - Breath of Ahriman EP

Self Released




There is a certain dark age in extreme music history which the layperson in music media cannot explain simply because they were not there to experience it. So they rely on history which can be revisionist at times. I mention that point a lot. Here we have another case where a band caters a certain style which did not make it into mainstream BS territory. 


We all know that in the late 80's, as far as metal goes, thrash died and death metal surged forth. In the hardcore realm, the old style died and was replaced by metal-core or the mainstream created crossover. BUT there was music that did not fit into the square pegs of genre purists. There were a massive amount of acts who liked the classic metal style but had plenty of punk rock / hardcore snarl as well as identity to their music.


In the past year or two I've talked about bands like that and here's another one. Hailing from Virginia we have the weird named UNU-T 4 5, a three piece act, who consider themselves priests of the Temple of UNU T 4-5. OK and while I'm not into their spiritual insights I am here to rock the fuck out which they know how to do in spades. This act knows how to pair up riffs that meet standards of headbanging rock and slam pit action mania.


The unique factors, which make this style of music uncanny, start with the non-sectutor vocal style by Peter Avellone (vocals and bass). You've got snarling early thrash screeching mixed with punk fuckin rock snarl. As far as song structures go there's a dynamic that flows along the lines of punishing drum work by Michael Greenhall , exciting and catchy riffs by Darrell Creel as well as a story telling bass playing. The guitar lead work is balanced by 80's fret brilliance and speedy thrash.


The major downside to this release is that it's too short. Yeah I want MORE! OH yeah BIAS ALERT, the bass player Pete is an old friend of mine. Be that as it may as much as I liked his older band, I like this one better because it generates a filthy metal / punk style which is keen today. This is the kinda stuff Hells Headbangers puts out. Hint hint!

https://unut45.bandcamp.com/releases?fbclid=IwAR26mz3qDBqZ6rAdcjCymo3IRjIC0
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1 comment:

Pete said...

Thanks for the review Wolf. I know we are longtime buds but you are known for your integrity and you will tell it as it is. You don't lie about your likes and dislikes. We are pleased you enjoyed it. More is on the way, both darker and brighter in the exotic, and just as savage. Keep those horns up!