LANLOK is a solo affair from the twisted mind of Lachlan Keller.  Starting his musical life as a drummer, before moving into vocals and eventually teaching himself, well everything.  It probably helps growing up in a musical family, and being on the same stage as some of the biggest names in Metal and Thrash to learn from the greats, by seeing them up close and personal must be such an aid to developing talent.

So it is hard to believe this is not only his first album, it was recorded during the crazy year, but also the young man did EVERYTHING, guitars, drums, vocals, bass, and did it flawlessly. This year I've reviewed a couple of "solo" projects, some great, some not so good.  What normally lets such projects down is lack of an editorial voice, as sometimes there is a tendency to overdo things, and almost over-produce he product.  Here though, thankfully not the case.

This has the feel of a band.  I don't know how I quantify that, other than to say the music sounds tight, like a band who are really together and have learned  their chops on the live circuit. Drawing on many strands of heavy music Metal, Thrash, Hardcore and Death Metal to weave a chainmail of Metal music. Opening up with a Thrasher, "Wage War" has a real old-school mosh-pit vibe, getting the old blood pumping.  "American Blight" has a similar vibe, perhaps with a bit more of a Hardcore vibe.

"Stay Away" is a hybrid Thrash and Death metal thing a sinister beauty.  Whilst "Funeral Pyre" is an industrial groove-monster. "Psychosythesis" keeps the same groove-thang going.  How can this be the same dude?  Here he is channeling his inner ZOMBIE.  It is dirty, scuzzy, mad as fuck brilliance. And yet another twist, "Self, Realized", goes full-on Thrash/Death on us.  I'm sorry but how many people live in Lachlan's head? And its great they all get the chance to sing!

"Writing On The Wall" is a creepy, sinister Melo Death decent into madness.  Complete with chanting and whispered, rasping, freaky vocals and a sinister bassline that manages to unnerve. The over-blown Metal of "Little Things" takes a swerve in yet another Metallic musical direction, with a modern take on the Metal/Death sound, scream-ier vocals, and a very Metal edge to the guitars.

And finally "In My Defense" sort of brings us back to the start with a stab of Thrash/Hardcore breakneck, violent, sweat-stained mosh monster to finish with. An album of the sort of music he likes to play, listen to and has missed seeing live this last year.  The theme of a number of the songs is obvious, based on his observations of what's happening in America and the world in general, but done in a way that is not preachy, you can enjoy this for the music and if you want take away the message, or simply rock out to some great music.