Let's talk a little about German Metal.

Since the coming of names as SCORPIONS, LUCIFER'S FRIEND and ACCEPT, it was obvious that the German scene should be great in the future. And on the 80s, the whole scene grew in a way that Germany became famous for names as DESTRUCTION, SODOM, TANKARD, KREATOR, HELLOWEEN, RUNNING WILD and many others. Of course the energy and traditions of Metal on those lands are still there, and the Thrash/Black quintet KETZER is a true heir of those names. Their new album, "Starless", is a clear proof of my words.

Ok, I know that my dear nephews and nieces will say that the mix of Thrash Metal with Black Metal is nothing new. But let me advocate the band, because on KETZER's work, there are melodies, without destroying the aggressiveness. And as well, the quintet stays away from the disgusting mania of some guys that says "i-want-to-play-as-bands-from-the-80s" that is a fashion by now. No, far away from that, these Germans are doing something really different into the style, making the things in their own ways. Sometimes, you can feel like they are saying "fuck the rules", and playing as they want. And this results in a creative music, full of energy and extremely personal.

Frank Buchen is the producer of the album, and did the mixing as well. And Hans-Philipp Graf did the mastering. And the result is that "Starless" sounds as aggressive as clean, being almost perfect in both ways. Yes, the balance between weight and a clear sound quality is excellent, and with very good choices for musical instruments' tunes. Nothing is excessive or lacks anything on this album.

The album is entirely excellent, but as their finest moments, we could point to the abrasive and sinister "Starless", with nasty riffs and very good tempos; the hooking and astonishing "When Milk Runs Dry" (what a good work from vocals, indeed); the hooking and nasty "Godface", with a Hard'n'Heavy energy that strangely reminds a lot something RUNNING WILD used to do on its earlier works, with excellent melodies and fine work from bass and drums; "Shaman's Dance" and its long duration (11 minutes), filled with very good work from guitars (especially on melodic solos), and the intense and melodic "Earthborn".

They are really great, and deserve our full attention. And "Starless" can be considered a corner stone for a new path on Thrash/Black Metal in the future.<