Generation Movement
Battalion
•
September 2, 2015
Ah, Switzerland... Once again you gift us with a killer band. With too many to name from CELTIC FROST to CORONER, Zurich seem to really pull metal bands out of the hat. BATTALION is another prime example of this. Having being formed back in 2006, BATTALION are almost at their decade anniversary. With two previous album releases, "Generation Movement" has a lot to compete with.
Starting off with "Rapid Damage" we're immediately greeted with a true thrash metal number. For a second, I even thought I was listening to SLAYER. The resemblance is uncanny. With the traditional fast, chunky guitar riff and chest-pounding drums greeting you with open arms, this track makes sure that we know BATTALION mean business and that we're in for a bumpy ride. Some thrash bands have a tendency to sound like "that band that always play in the background at the bar", it is evident from the get-go that this album is not one of that kind. Two songs later "Militia Callin'" comes along, while only just over the two minute mark, it is the shortest song on the album, it is also one of the most powerful. The vocals truly make this track; it is fast, heavy, headbang-inducing carnage. It leaves one thinking "where do I sign up for this band's militia?" A few songs later, we have a slower tempo song in the form of "Lowrider" . It's a satisfying change. Halfway through this track they break into almost a rock 'n roll style solo. Mixing elements in this way could have gone horribly wrong, but BATTALION own it and make it work.
All in all, this album radiates quality. There's not a bad song on this album, they keep to what they know and don't stray too far from the beaten path. Even the album artwork is complete classic supremacy. BATTALION really are one of Switzerland's (if not Europe's) most ambitious up-and-coming bands. Don thy battle jacket with a beer in hand; this album is a thrasher's new best friend.
9 / 10
Almost Perfect
"Generation Movement" Track-listing:
1. Rapid Damage
2. Exiled Man
3. Militia Callin'
4. Generation Movement
5. Revolution
6. An Unaltere Attitude
7. Lowrider
8.Wrong Side of the Tracks
9. Serpent Alive
10. Venom
Battalion Lineup:
Silvan Etzensperger - Vocals, Guitar
Samuel Riedener - Drums
Claudio Hürlimann - Guitar
Alexander Gubler - Bass
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