Italy’s
Stalker are back after an extended “pause” and have offered up the “Vertebre”
E.P. as a sacrifice to appease the sonic gods.
“Vertebre” is the follow-up to their self-titled, full-length album
released in 2008 and is available on the band’s bandcamp page as a free digital
download or through Taxi Driver Records on vinyl.
While their self-titled release is more than worthy of
praise the seismic shift that has occurred between the two releases is profound. The gods shall be pleased as “Vertebre”
represents a quantum leap in the band’s composition and execution. Opening track “Tornado” lays down the
foundation for what the listener can expect throughout this four tracker. Spitfire vocals that spew venom and scorn are
soundly complimented by a murderous twin guitar attack that leaves scorch marks
across the aural plane. Rounding out the
big end of this dynamic audio stew is a rhythm section that is both thunderous
and savage. Put simply, what we have here
is a small slice of sonic delight.
Whether or not the aforementioned shift happened
intentionally or organically I do not know.
Only the band does. However, what
I do know is Stalker is back and they are ready to insert themselves into your
ear holes with all the subtlety of a rail spike.
Please enjoy responsibly.
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