TREPALIUM - DAMBALLA'S VOODOO DOLL [REVIEW]

 

Band: Trepalium
Album: Damballa's Voodoo Doll

Genre: Groove Progressive Death Metal

Country: France

Release Date: February 9^th 2015

Label:  Klonosphere/Season of Mist

Reviewer: Ziad Gadou

France is no stranger to the world of metal innovation. From Gojira and Nightmare to Alcest and Loudblast, France has spared nothing in its grandiose range of artists. The Poitou-Charentes’ “Trepalium” provide an explosive, relatable take on the 1930’s boogie feel of swing jazz.  Two installments and almost a hundred shows instilled this band in the underground extreme French metal scene. They have opened for numerous international festivals and played alongside bands like Aborted, Behemoth, Malevolent creation and Krisiun. 

Trepalium’s fifth installment, Damballa's Voodoo Doll is nothing short of class. “Moonshine Limbo” is a margin-defining track to the band’s direction of sound in the album. The dynamic groovy introduction riff will have your head banging and fingers snapping instantaneously. As the growls escalate in pitch and the riffs converge to a darker tone, “Damballa’s Voodoo Doll” takes you through an angry road filled with poly-rhythmic mishaps. “Blowjob on the Rocks” is easily the greatest title for a song I have ever come across. Every track lays down its story and prepares you for the next track with an unparalleled elegance. 

If I could sum up this album it would be in this question.

Have you ever wondered how Pantera would sound like if they played progressive jazz and had Randy Blythe as their vocalist? Fear no more, Trepalium has arrived to answer that very question.

Don’t let the tuxedoes and the saxophones confuse your basic metal instincts. These bad boys will rock your top hat off, probably your mustache too.  

8.5/10

Listen to Moonshine Limbo: