PILLAGING VILLAGERS honestly the name suits the music in every way possible. The best part is it's a one-man band, and who said that's only possible for DJ's. David Frazer is the mastermind behind this energetic folk-like thrash metal music (I can almost even hear punk in there too). Coming from Milwaukee, Wisconsin he has taken so many different subgenres of metal and created these beautiful driven victorious tunes! Trust me, some of the tracks get you pumped to accomplish whatever mission you have in the day. Even if it's cooking!

The album "Pillaging Villagers" was released on March 11, 2022. I personally didn't know what to expect. The band name itself gave me this idea that can be like FLOGGING MOLLY or DROP KICK MURPHIES. Honestly, it was that but heavier and with a beautiful twist. All the songs sound like there are some angry people out in the village wanting to start a rebellion.

It creates this medieval image, with people and fire torches running around especially in the track "Smash the Factory". The song starts off with villagers (David Frazer) yelling that they will smash the factory. What adds to that glorious folklore tune is the bagpipes, the drums speeding up, that feeling of a bunch of people breaking down the factory doors. Possibly one of the most rebellious feelings I've felt from a song. It definitely got me going when I was riding my bicycle to the gym.

So before I introduce to you my favorite song on the album, I'll share with you that I am a former amateur rugby player. What do rugby players love to do in the 'third half'? Drink and sing songs. Most songs always have a folklore tune with a bunch of rugby players singing (yelling) with passion while waving the beer up in the air. The track "Freedom Is Ours" is that kind of song. The song starts off with the bagpipes (making an appearance again of course) drums and the powerful speed guitar. What a rush of a song. Picture everyone stomping their feet on the ground and beer spilling everywhere. What a party that would be!

"The Count" is a song that hits my roots being Romanian (pun definitely intended). This song almost feels like it can be in the game Castlevania. The organ that plays in the chorus gives this eerie feeling about Count Dracula himself. The growling voice of David Frazer gives this powerful leader that monstrous emotion. You can almost feel the Count on a mission to turn every single being out there to be one of him, to be his little minions to take over the dark world. I absolutely adore it!

Those tracks really stood out to me but honestly every single track on "Pillaging Villagers" is a headbanger. I can definitely recommend this on-man band and album. If you are a gym-goer, this will definitely get you going while lifting some 'metal' (see what I did there?). I can't wait to see what David Frazer will create next with his pure peasant metal ways.