BASTARD, what a name for a death metal band. Can it get any better? Catchy and fitting. At least the band gets noticed because of their name.
BASTARD hails from Pforzheim. They have been around since 2000. In the 10 years of their existence, they have only released one EP. “Aftermath” is essentially their debut album. And that after 10 years!
If you have 10 years to refine your songs before recording them, you obviously want to show something substantial on your debut. The Pforzheim band manages to do this quite impressively. The five play very solid death metal right from the first seconds.
However, the band also incorporates thrash metal parts in their songs, as well as the occasional classic heavy metal section. Here, it is primarily the guitar that shines. Overall, the songs become more relaxed. They do not lose their ambition; rather, the band's ambition is emphasized by this. The songs remain dark and ominous, just as death metal should be. The production, which is also important for metal bands of any color, is very good. Perhaps a tad too clean, but that’s a matter of debate.
In any case, “Aftermath” is a debut that makes you sit up and take notice. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another 10 years for the next album.
