Unstoppable Force

It's no secret I love animals, in light of their variously spotted inclusion within plethora of scribbled reviews, particularly whenever skyward guitar solos mimic specific fowls (old school Judas Priest is known for such high tooting honks). So imagine how chill it is to sit down to a heavenly rocking power metal piece by non-cheesy Swiss quintet fondly named Walrus. Such is the short version, as "Odobenidae" is a family of pinnipeds, which is even more fun to say!

Hailing, or shall I say "wailing", out of historic Aigle (in the canton of Vaud, similar in charm as say, Belgium's Bruges), Walrus claims, so far, a 2019 "1st Demo" as well as latent and longer Unstoppable Force EP, which consists of five crystalline, icy twinklers evocative, in noble melody and royal essence, of Victoria's womanly helmed Unleash The Archers whilst also featuring inherent touches of old hands Neptune and Rebellion.

Vocally, their fiercely strung front man knows how to carry a tune, even if, at times, his theatrically educed cries skirt emotionally driven power metal excess. This is amply forgiven, though, once his mates' serve up richly phrased and woven, very climatic leads on each riff choked song. It also helps the choruses are all infinitesimally catchy and upbeat, whilst, overall, the EP lives up to bold title, compelling several back-to-back, griffin scratched returns. (My preferred mythological beast, much more so than loathsome basilisk.)

Following an accessible and poppy, yet lapel seizing, titular opener, the darker and more lugubrious dungeon dweller "Eternal Silence" yields a rather Cemetary-esque throwback in "Hear The Thunder", with its gripping finger tapped introductory lead, alongside magical wand brandishing, dream world surround. Actually, its latter half transcends a rather Megadeth (i.e. Youthanasia) reminiscent vibe, right up to next hand planted, none too fishy lead. A fast drumming attack kicks off an as-rabid and revved "Mastermind", also imbued with singsong refrain worth emulating in all its syncopated glory.

On a few placid occasions, folkloric elements, as in cleaner instrumentation and saponaceous breaks, provide levity amidst otherwise non-stop carousel of musical combustion. Tightly tremolo'd final harpooning "Forever Free" assures a mildly rockier rendition of these Alpine walruses, I mean, warriors, leaving us dog treading until further notice i.e. full-length debut.