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Taberah Rehearsal Demo

Review by Pasperou

“Tonight we ride into hell”

For those not already acquainted, I am happy to introduce Taberah: kickarse Tasmanian Heavy Metal. For the rest of you, mostly Tasmanian or in some way affiliated, I am here to extol the second release of this young band. This tape combines elements of classic heavy and power metal, shred and thrash into a tasty, and yet somehow modern, metal potpourri. Think of the heavier moments of Hammerfall blended together with the guitar proficiency of Stratovarius, the breakdowns and progression of Symphony X, kick-arse riffs and even the aggression of Slayer on occasion and you have Taberah in a, somewhat crowded, nutshell.

The first song on the Tape, ‘Taberah’, is a perfect example of their choice in influences. It contains all the staples of a power metal epic with surprising and intermittent aggressive thrash sections. This is pure heavy metal, and technical and progressive enough to warrant several listens to fully appreciate the musical depth. I listened to this song alone about 6 times to pay full attention to the mature dual guitar integration and melodies: they show taste and depth beyond their years. This is a very worthy opener, and an excellent song to be your bands namesake.

The second song, ‘Requiem of the Damned’, is a speeding power metal track occasionally punctuated by slightly weak chorus. Although the hallmark melodic yell of Barwick works wonders in the verses by making use of his naturally forceful mid range, throughout the choruses he seems to either loose confidence or is unable to capture the mood he is attempting. In any case his vocals have come a long way since the beginning, and I can only assume that this trend will continue at its already rapid rate. ‘Requiem of the Damned’ is the most typical modern powermetal track on the demo, but with many interesting instrumental interludes that make it standout from the usual European fare. A good song, especially where the aggressive voice of Barwick comes through at its strength.

The third song, ‘Heaven is Full’ is a Dungeon-esque thrasher and a highlight of the album. Everything is killer about this track, except for a few weak chorus moments. It is unfortunate for me that these guys hadn’t written this song when I saw them, because it would have kicked my arse live. The end section is pure thrash with Kerry King wankery over the top, melding nicely into a Symphony X-esque breakdown to conclude. Definitely the most thrashin’ song on the tape, I can only assume that it must be a favourite live.

Dual shred melodies open the fourth song, ‘Battle for the Sun’, showing off the technical proficiencies of these young metal guns. In a very Stratovarious fashion (minus Timo’s ridiculous range) the initial shred swaps rapidly to a rampaging power metal gallop, complete is over the top lyrics. Again one is force to note the thin chorus in contrast with the very excellent verses. I know that power metal choruses are really just a production art form, but perhaps the guys might try out some backing up vocals to enhance the choruses and make them stand out, rather than wilt, compared to the verses. Vocals aside for a while, the solos in this song are terrific. Passionate, raw and yet well composed, they show no signs of the telltale tedium that emerges from the stagnant or exhausted repertoire of most heavy metal acts. The soloing reminds me of some of the more interesting guitar battles between the Dragonforce guys, but with far more passion and integrity. This song is most impressive, containing some of the tightest, most eyebrow lifting and creative soloing I’ve heard in a while. Long live neoclassical shred!

The mid-paced track five, ‘War Lord’, is for me the weakest song on the tape. That being said, the vocals on this song are perhaps his strongest yet. Without heavy riffs to carry them for most of the song, they stand up and make themselves known with pleasing results. Towards the end of this mellow song is short thrash interlude with a very convincing solo that makes me wish for more. Not of the same calibre as the other tracks, it nonetheless is a fitting conclusion, with excellent guitar work and a few characteristically rocking riffs. It’s the kind of track that lets you down gently from a fast ride, and yet leaves you still craving more.

I look forward to any further releases from this tight, angry monster of rock. Being a fan of guitar-dominated metal will certainly help you to enjoy this release and doubtlessly any release that will follow it. It is immensely pleasing to hear a new band avoiding the modern calamity many metal bands slip into, where the vocals and drumming become paramount in the mix. Metal is about riffs, and Taberah are about metal, and this is a pleasing fact. When you are combining such clever song structures with killer riffs, thrash aggressive with shred precision and all at such a tender, you are bound to release gems in the future.

And to the future I salute:

Long live Taberah!

6.5/10