M.K.C.
Dark Serpent
•
January 7, 2013
DARK SERPENT is an old school Thrash Metal band from Israel and their debut album is called "M.K.C.", which is an abbreviation for "Mass Killing Convention". While it was initially released back in 2011 this is I guess a further attempt to promote it since we are covering it approximately one year later - and I couldn't find any specific reason like a re-release under a new record label or bonus tracks.
The record includes eleven songs of which eight are studio tracks while another three are live recordings in the studio. The cover depicts a serpent holding a detonation button in a strip club with politicians, businessmen and the alike - which has a funny side but is also faithful to the artistic style of the genre.
The record starts with the homonymous song "M.K.C."and after a small intro (using a quote of Turgidson from Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove" - a very old but really amazing movie) the thrashing madness is initiated. The band utilizes a vast range of guitar playing style keeping the songs interesting at all times. Using super-fast picking like in "Shot By Friendly Fire" (check somewhere after second minute), "Locked In The Watchtower" and else, by implementing classic Thrash disharmonies, clever riffs or dual leads and by lengthy technical solos the guitar work in this record is more than exceptional. In the drums the classic Thrash boot - snare alteration is heavily implemented but enhanced with alternative ways of playing, technical fills and the metal favorite double bass pounding. The bass is sometimes heard low but in general is following tightly the drums providing artillery assistance (check "Siatha De'Shmaya"). The vocals are what one would typically expect from a Thrash band while the backing vocals give a Punk flavor to the songs.
I have no idea how famous is DARK SERPENT in the Israeli local scene. But the fact is that the band is delivering fast paced old school Thrash Metal in your face that surpassed any expectations that I had. The band borrows lots of elements from the Thrash scene be it American or European (EXODUS, SACRED REICH, SLAYER, TANKARD to name a few bands) and molds them into a very interesting result. The production of the record is old school which from one side serves the music style of the band but from the other side sounds flat and weak at times. That by itself is not that bad if we take into account that this was a self-financed effort but in any case reduces the quality of the final result. Finally I have no idea where the songs in the live studio recordings come from, meaning whether they are new material or old songs played again. While those are at the same quality as the first eight songs the fact that they are using fake live conditions is a bit weird.
Summing up I believe that "M.K.C." is a solid record of high quality old school Thrash Metal. I just hope that they stick to their guns and release more material so that they get more recognition because they deserve it. If you still enjoy your Thrash served the old school way check this band. You will not be disappointed - or you will end up victim of the "Mass Killing Convention".
9 / 10
Almost Perfect
"M.K.C." Track-listing:
1. M.K.C.
2. Shot By Friendly Fire
3. Fully Charged With Hate
4. Locked In The Watchtower
5. Land Of Fear
6. Siatha De'Shmaya
7. Global Suicide (Intro)
8. Self-Genocide
9. Defiance (Live)
10. Enlightenment By Fire (Live)
11. Fuck U (Live)
Dark Serpent Lineup:
Uri "Dabitter" Shalev- Guitar & Vocals
Giardello Caravagio- Lead Guitar & Backing vocals
Zahi "MadDog" Berkovits- Bass & Backing vocals
Yuval "Boolbool" Tamir- Drums & Backing vocals
More results...