Decay

Tension

A great attitude means a great time; this is to me the whole concept that […]
By JOGANEGAR
March 17, 2022

A great attitude means a great time; this is to me the whole concept that defines this record by TENSION, a German band that released their debut album early this year as a follow up to their only EP originally released in 2017. Reproducing the great 70's and early 80's sound with a new optic, the influences of this band may be to many to even mention but what matters the most, the final outcome is the merit that arises above it all when a band has chosen to follow the paths of guts and glory that come with rock and roll: Defying standards and staying true to their aim with 9 songs that incorporate a longing for the cosmic presence in the human knowledge to the emblematic sound of albums like "Killers" and "Sad Wings of Destiny" along with the dark and very urban sound of the voice of Maik H. blends with the thundering guitar and the rampaging drums which at undeniable beats allows to peek in the most furtive and imaginative of ways into an alternate reality where Paul Di'Anno never left.

A strong and outstanding achievement to be able to stand your ground as a band even after the confusing and troubling times that are filling our day to day in these times of war and pandemic: A struggle that continues with line-up changes and the lack of public exposure due to a global lockdown and the uncertainty of what the future might bring, TENSION has to mature before it has to decay just like everything else does in this world and according to their cosmic vision of existence and the title of this album which reflects that even something as a deadly and mysterious virus as the one we have menacing the world right now might be put to an end someday.

"Open the Gates" allows us to enter the world of this band which incorporates elements that put together the identity of a whole era, Relentless and clangorous, the bands only sin could be that they are not afraid of being repetitive, which of course is cleansed by the intro of "Age of the stars" which could be the track closest to one's heart for providing a contrast to the first tracks with a sublime acoustic intro that leads to a rhythmic voyage and the enviable energy that only the first record of a band can provide. An example of cosmic energy in a time of generational shallowness and mental stagnation. TENSION invites us to trample our minds into the endless vastity of the universe with their first album and the hope of getting back on the road ASAP.

8 / 10

Excellent

Songwriting

9

Musicianship

7

Memorability

8

Production

10
"Decay" Track-listing:

1. Open the Gates
2. Firepower
3. Hellflight
4. Cosmic Gaze
5. Age of the Stars
6. Black Knights
7. Moon Crusher
8. Mistress
9. Earth Crisis

Tension Lineup:

Conrad N. - Bass
Maik H. - Vocals
Phil M. - Guitars
Jonas Z.  - Drums

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