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Tsar Bomb > Neowarfare > Reviews > Asag_Asakku
Tsar Bomb - Neowarfare

Tsar Bomb - Neowarfare - 60%

Asag_Asakku, September 24th, 2012

While Cold War is in full swing, Soviet Union leaders seek to strike another blow, a few months after placing the first man in orbit. This time, the strength demonstration will be military. At the end of October 1961, over the inhospitable terrain of Novaya Zemlya (an Arctic Ocean archipelago), a Tupolev Tu-95 drops a thermonuclear device with a power never experienced before. Exploding over 4000 meters, the hydrogen bomb releases a force greater than fifty megatons, carbonizing forests and homes over hundreds of kilometers. Promptly informed of this achievement, visible to almost 1000 kilometers from the impact point, Americans call it “Tsar Bomb” (“Imperial Bomb”). This is, incidentally, the name chosen by a young Hispanic band, whose music recalls the heyday of atmospheric nuclear tests.

This Andalusia trio offers indeed black metal strongly tinged with ultra-fast death metal, an approach that is spontaneously reminiscent of bands like Behemoth, Hate or – closer to home – Necronomicon. It hits hard and fast. After a short introduction, the title track starts heavy atoms’ fission and chain reaction follows immediately. However, perhaps due to a leak in the system, the explosion never reaches the expected power.

Interpretation is crystal clear, song writing follows every conventions of the genre and packaging is impeccable. But Neowarfare album gives a cold and synthetic impression to the listener, caused in part by a triggered battery that provides discomfort among those seeking a more warm and organic sound. However, there are still good moments on this record, that reminded me more than once Zyklon’s first albums, without ever managing to match their originality and extreme brutality.

I remain optimistic. This first opus portends good things for Tsar Bomb. Hopefully these atom lovers will give their music a stronger personality that will allow them to distinguish themselves from their many illustrious colleagues. 6/10

Originally written for Métal Obscur.