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If I were to hear only one metal song this year I would probably pick “Roaring Tanks of Armageddon” by German trio Blizzard. It is absolutely everything I demand from my metal. It is powerful and decimating. It has a punk vibe and a steady beat that sounds like Motorhead as much as it reminds me of Discharge. It is catchy as cholera and nasty as good ol’ rock and roll. Also, vocalist Atze sounds drunk as fuck.
That encapsulates the sound of Blizzard. It is really, as much rock and roll as it is punk and metal. It is dirty from the inside out and more than rough around the edges. “Booze Blues” is just that. Blues with fuzzy guitars and an insane guitar solo. Atze doesn’t suffer the lyrics like an old bluesman. Instead, he sweats out the alcohol going and repeating ‘alright, blues booze!’.
Now that I’ve heard that, the title United Metal Punks makes total sense. This split is not only the marriage of two bands, each dedicated to their own style. This is about the inclusion of one style on top of the other. Who dominates may just be on the ear of the beholder. One thing though, my copy of the vinyl had the labels placed wrong. But who cares?
Barbatos is the creation of Yasuyuki Suzuki, a Japanese man who has also done work with bands like Sigh and Abigail. His discography reads like a manual on how to get seriously fucked up. Titles include War! Speed and Power, War Metal Drinkers, Drunk Punk Metal Night at Cuntcert, Let’s Fucking Die and Thrash Yourself and Fuck the Rest. The style of Barbatos is similar to that of Blizzard. Except that this is more simplistic and these three songs feature a rawer recording that shines with hiss. Thus, the Barbatos half comes off as more punked up but equally rock and roll in spirit.
The biggest differentiator would be the vocals of Suzuki who literally growls like a troll on acid. I don’t know what is it with Japanese bands and awesome song titles, but Barbatos nails all three. “Sweet Lovin Metal Girl”, “Baby Baby Baby” and “My Girlfriend With Other Guy”. Of these, the third is the weakest of the split. Despite the frenetic pace of the song the harmonious guitar totally sucks and weakens an otherwise awesome idea. On “My Girlfriend With Other Guy” the always floating presence of Motorhead makes a cameo. Just substract the chops of Mickey Dee and this has it all.
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