There is a subjective theatrical sense behind Metal acts that sometimes became evident. This happens when a band uses a produced outfit to have a different appeal. It’s not a sin, because since the 70s such appeared (as the gross androgynous outfit used by acts as NEW YORK DOLLS and TWISTED SISTER, or the make-up and clothes used by KISS). You can think of VENOM, MERCYFUL FATE (mainly due King Diamond’s outfit), BATHORY, MÖTLEY CRUE, POISON and others sharing the same feature, and the early bands of the Second Wave of Black Metal as well. It’s not a surprise to see such strategy used by the Swedish quartet F.K.Ü., but one can ask if “The Horror and the Metal” (their new full-length) is good.

The band hired Lawrence Mackrory as producer (and he did the recordings, mixing and mastering as well), and he built a sharp, dry and aggressive sonority to the album, so the aggressiveness of their music becomes evident; but on the other hand, things sounds defined and with very good instrumental tunes, what boosts the understanding of what they’re playing. And it’s really an excellent result. And as a guest, here is Tomas Åkvik on the additional vocals on “Don’t Have to Go to Texas”. After one year of activity from 1987 to 1988, they came back on 1997 and are unleashing a violent and impacting Thrash Metal storm since then. Their music draws influences from U.S. Thrash Metal School, especially from acts as EXODUS, TESTAMENT, FORBIDDEN and others that uses a more aggressive insight on the genre (and even some Crossover parts, as some S.O.D. touches heard on “Don’t Have to Go to Texas”), but tempers such feature with a very good melodic sense and a fine technical appeal. And their visual appeal (based on North American horror and gore films as “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”) depicts what their lyrics are about: old horror films, giving that special temper on things. And yes, their music is full of energy and identity, so what are you expecting for to dive in?

There are 10 excellent songs waiting to slash you ears, but you must pay attention to “The Horror and the Metal” (fine Thrash Metal hooks with those vocals and backing vocals contrasts, and it’s a perfect song to play live), “(He is) the Antichrist” (a fast moment of the album, with slashing guitar riffs), “The Spawning” (a song with a slower appeal, reinforcing the technical side of their music, with very good work on the rhythmic session), “Don’t Have to Go to Texas” (a clear influence from Crossover can be heard, and some very good Death Metal grunts can be heard), “Harvester of Horror” (it’s impossible to resist its melodic hooks in some moments), “Deep Cuts” (there are excellent contrasts of tempos here, showing a good technical work on bass guitar and drums), “They Are 237” (a massive blow of energy with very good slower appeal), … Oh, come on! Listen to “Bringing Back the Dead”, “Some Kind of Mosher”, and “You Are Who You Eat” as well! It’ll not hurt you (just your ears, of course), and all the songs work in the same level.

If you’re a Thrash Metal maniac and still don’t know the work of F.K.Ü., “The Horror and the Metal” is a fine opportunity to do such thing.