Evangelium 666

The times have changed and the internet has made it possible to communicate with bands from all over the world at every time of the day. It is also possible to get music from exotic places today, whether by download or by e-commerce. Forums offer space for advertisements and exchange of thoughts and a prominent one in the metal scene are the Metal Archives. Zlo is one of those bands I discovered by surprise and by skipping through the bands at this particular site. As a contact was offered nothing more than an e-mail address, but it worked and I was able to get their first and only release so far.

The first demo of Zlo is no breakthrough, but it is in respect to aspects of song-writing, production and atmosphere a good deal above average and it is therefore quite enjoyable. By using elements from Black Metal, to some respect Thrash riff-structures and keyboards which remind me on Emperor’s In the Nightside Eclipse it was possible to create some neat and catchy songs, which mostly stick to midtempo. Whereas the first to elements are dominating the entirely demo, the part of the keyboards is rather to be used as springe at different times. There is never an ongoing keyboard theme or texture in the background. Rather as a supporter of the atmosphere when the music slows down, those small keyboard fragments are used and it works fine. Without sounding cheesy or displaced they are able to enrich the music with a counterpoint to the grim sound of the guitars and furthermore disturbing the vibe of the tracks in a positive way.

As a basis for the songs, riffs either from the Black or Thrash Metal genre are used. The band tried to avoid monotony and hence their songs have a quite good drive, which is supported by variation they use in matters of instruments and riffs. Even the instrumental has its moments, but it remains hidden why the band chose to place it in the middle of the album. Anyway, the songs are quite well written and the switches in tempi as well as the uses of breaks keep them quite interesting and enjoyable. Also the solos fit well into the overall positive impression, furthermore has the occasionally use of a lead- and a rhythm-guitar a positive effect on the music.

Yes, I have to mention the production, despite the early age of the band, because it does have some impact on the quality demo. Too little bass, sometimes too much of the snare drums and also too much of the voice on the last track, all this can be examined by listening to the seven songs. It is Zlo’s first demo and with more experience, a better outcome is undoubtedly possible and it cannot be expected that every band publishes a first demo like Musta Surma once did. Again and not surprising this one lacks of the kind of balancing a lot of other releases suffer from, too. The bass-line can be recognized in the background, but without any power to support the music; also the bass-drum plays a minor role. One small negative footnote is also the not existing transition between the intro and the ‘first’ song of the demo.

By listening to the music for the first time I was somehow disturbed by the vocals or better said by the language. Unlike many other bands Zlo does not sing in English, but in Czech and the vocals sound different through this. One negative facet can be recognized on the last track, as the vocalist has some problems to express the lyrics properly. There is simply too much to say in too little time, but it happens only in the refrain part, so the impact is rather minor.

I like the demo, its sound, the catchy songs and also the song-titles. Hellintroduction and Hellstrumental are only two examples which should be emphasized at this point and they leave no doubt about the lyrically concept behind this band. Despite the lack of originality, Zlo are able to entertain and have proven their skills with this demo. Compared to the a lot of underground releases they offer some nice ideas on this demo and I hope to hear more of them in the future, but with a better sound and songs. 70 points are appropriate, even though it is their first demo.

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