If there is one band that combines a classic approach with fresh ideas and an expansive joy of playing to honour their ancestors from the likes of early Exodus, Metallica or Slayer, then it is the German five piece Vulture. On their fourth album Sentinels, they prove once again that tradition and further development are not mutually exclusive, but on the contrary can lead to something extraordinary that leaves no headbanger untouched. "In direct comparison to the last album Dealin' Death, we've picked up the pace again noticeably, we're bolder and a bit wilder again. It was important to us to be catchy and to include choruses that stick. Of course, we've basically retained our style, but we've defined the framework of the songs more clearly," says guitarist Stefan Castevet.
However, in order to create such a monster as Sentinels, some changes were necessary. "It started with the songwriting, where we took more time than usual. We recorded a total of three demos with numerous songs, which we also produced to the best of our ability. This gave us the chance to let our songs sink in as relatively final versions so that we could then choose the best pieces and - at least in part - rework them again." Vulture again recorded with Marco Brinkmann in his Hellforge Studio and there were also some innovations. "We had a clearly structured daily routine, a normal working day with set goals, so to speak, in which we could focus purely on recording the songs. That was quite a change, our previous recordings were a bit less organized which resulted into working overtime for everyone involved at the end. This is one of the reasons why Sentinels is the best sounding Vulture record to date!"
Want some examples? The first single Unhallowed & Forgotten serves as a blueprint for the Vulture style: wild riffs, lots of breaks and tone changes, furious solos, exploding toms and a big chorus! "Lyrically, we also stay true to ourselves. The song is about the Blind Dead film series, whose thirst for blood, like ours, is difficult to quench," says the guitarist with a wink. "Realm Of The Impaler shows our musical roots in classic heavy metal. Lots of twin guitars and melodies paired with driving drums and a dark atmosphere. The song proves that we are much more than a typical "hit it" thrash band. Lyrically, the song deals with the infamous figure Vlad Tepes: His name a curse, his tongue a whip!"
Oathbreaker, probably the most straightforward song on the album, is completely different. "Oathbreaker is our homage to both the heroes and founders of our style in the late 70s and early 80s, as well as the brave among us who put everything on one card, pursue their passion and have found a way outside the social norm to understand heavy metal as their purpose in life. We salute you!"
Since the release of their last album Dealin' Death in 2021, Vulture have played the biggest German heavy metal festivals - Wacken and Summer Breeze - as well as numerous smaller festivals. With the release of the digital single High Speed Metal (2022), the band went on tour with their brothers from Exciter and played festivals all over Europe last year, from Denmark to the Czech Republic and France.
L. Steeler: Vocals
S. Castevet: Guitar
M. Outlaw: Guitar
A. Axetinctör: Bass
G. Deceiver: Drums
vulturekills
/ vulturekills