TRIBULATION - The Horror (Reissue)

September 20, 2016, 7 years ago

(Century Media)

Nick Balazs

Rating: 8.5

review black death rarities tribulation

TRIBULATION - The Horror (Reissue)

Man, I can understand why some didn’t want Tribulation to change their style. Century Media has rolled out a vinyl reissue of the Swedes’ 2009 debut complete with different colors (black, orange, and silver) along with a full-sized booklet and poster. The Horror is pure, unadulterated death/thrash metal. There is barely any sliver of what was to come on last year’s breakout The Children Of The Night. 

The Swedes keep it slamming, continuously pounding the vicious riffs and blasting drums with horror themed lyrics. That demonic cover is all you need to know lets you know you’re diving into metal that is truly sinister. Check out the pulverizing “Crypt Of Thanatophilia”, taking cues from Florida death metal greats or the doom-laded, sorrowful solo in “Curse Of Resurrection”. I just love how The Horror keeps coming at you with unrelenting aggression and doesn’t let up until its 33 minutes are complete. Tribulation makes you feel like you’re in a scary movie with eerie sounds and cryptic piano sounds at the end of the attacks before bludgeoning again with death/thrash theatrics.   

The Horror has the perfect aesthetics of those classic Swedish/Florida death metal bands mixed with the German thrash legends (best comparison would be early Kreator) and it’s all wrapped up in an awesome package. The artwork adorning the booklet is stunning with grotesque images that truly livens the darkness you’re diving into. Fun fact: Enforcer’s Olof Wikstrand was involved in the recording of this beast. Enough of this review; just drop the needle and listen to the beginnings of Tribulation!



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