Horn Of The Rhino - Grengus

Impact! Sometimes you when you hear an album for the first time, the way it opens can give you an immediate indication of what you are in for. The moment Horn Of The Rhino's new album 'Grengus' blasts through your speakers, you are in for one hard hitting effort.. with a few different moments along the way..

This has that sound where the music is literally in your face. The moment 'Under The Hoof' opens, you are hitting a brick wall out of no where. The quick pace of songs like 'Under The Hoof' and 'Pile of Severed Heads' is intense and whilst it may remind me of High On Fire, the harsh droning tone of the riffs and Javier's vocals bring more of a death metal flavour to the table. A perfect balance between crushing and brutal.

And with this sheer pace, the drumming is stampeding the way it is done. Just stand on a hill and watch the bulls run through the paddock and wonder what would happen to you if you were in the middle of their rampage. Anything in their way would be done pretty quick. Bruises, broken bones, cracked skulls.. and much more.

But this isn't all one long stampede. Songs like 'Grengus' and 'Brought Back' show a more interesting side where things are even more crushing and drawn out and the riffs are catchier. The drumming is like big thuds and Javier's vocals take a clean edge that comes across quite grunge like thanks to that raw tinge to them. He can really hit the notes too. It certainly adds an emotional side to the album. Heck, these slower moments really shows how heavy this band can get. How fucking good are those riffs!?

I don't like to play the compare game, but I would have expected to be revisiting High On Fire's new one more this year. Instead 'Grengus' is the album I am going back to more. This is far more intense, more catchy, heavier and memorable. Another one of those low expectations at the start that snaps you in half. This beast has horns and they are more than ready to strike.

Ikil