Proliferation

The shortest definition of the opposite of frustration is thrash metal from Australia. Therefore, I did not hesitate to buy this album, all the more as a well-reputed company, Metal Blade, decided to rerelease the full-length. Unfortunately, I guess the statement of my first sentence needs reconsidering. Despite its origin and its style, "Proliferation" shows an ambivalent picture. It cannot be dismissed as totally disappointing, but it also does not enthuse me. Harlott's only composer, guitarist / vocalist Andrew Hudson has left no stone unturned to pen a gripping album, but the bitter truth is that he needs help. The song material lacks of catchiness and outstanding sections. The Bay Area inspired approach shows the right degree of fury and determination, no doubt about it. I am also sure that the formation is authentic and does not look for new trends. That's great. Nevertheless, with regard to the high number of (stronger) competitors in this market segment, I am not able to recommend this full-length.

Yes, there are some good parts on this second album of the group. "The Fading Light", for instance, combines turbulent verses with an atmospheric break. Yet even the better songs are not free from disoriented leads. It is difficult to get enthusiastic about relatively good parts which are embedded into a mediocre composition. The better songs are like girls with a pretty nice face, long legs and, unfortunately, a fat ass. Thus, the overall appearance is flawed. At the end, I just do not have the wish to push the repeat button. Irrespective of its clear, powerful and well-balanced production, "Proliferation" just fails to attract me. Life is too short to listen to this kind of albums.

Compared with their compatriots of In Malice's Wake, it becomes obvious that Harlott's music sounds neither more extreme nor more catchy. Yet despite this similar approach, the songs of Hudson are strangely faceless and fail to evoke emotions. The technical skills of the musicians illustrate the professional attitude of the band, but I would prefer good songs of amateurs ("Shrill cries, angel dies, outbreak of evil!" remains unbeatable in this context). To put it in a nutshell, Hudson has a lot of ideas, but most of them are - much to my regret - rather undistinguished. The sad discovery is that even thrash metal, the most glorious variety of metal, does not run by itself. Due to my ordinariness, I just want to entertained by the albums for which I have spent my money. Too bad that "Proliferation" is as entertaining as a glass of skim milk.

Those of you who do not give a damn about my opinion (believe me, you are not alone in this) can check out songs like "Cross Contamination". From my point of view, its thundering beginning is promising and the following instrumental part also whets the appetite for more. However, the verses and the chorus cannot keep the promises that the first parts make. A meaningless solo crowns the triumph of compositional imperfection. Yet perhaps I am wrong and you will like this tune? Or the comparatively punchy closer will make your day due to its equally strong beginning and its unexpected liveliness? It completes an unspectacular album in a fairly good manner, but it cannot hide the fact that "Proliferation" fails to write another great chapter in the fascinating history of thrash metal. Maybe the next time.