There are so bloody many heavy metal bands coming from Germany, that no one can keep up with all of them. And to be honest, there's no need in keeping up with everything... Anyways, Nailgun are of the new breed, now having their sophomore album 'New World Chaos' out (the debut 'Paindustry' came out in the first half of 2011). So, are Nailgun anything worth to look, or rather, to listen, for?

The cover artwork, the album's title and the intro all predict, that Nailgun aren't here to fill their listeners up with joy and heroic sensations. They sound very German with their darkened heavy metal. They operate in mid-paced territory for the most of time. Their melodies are dark, melancholic and ominous. Nailgun remind me of Brainstorm, and there's clear later Angel Dust influences. Then there are hints of Depressive Age and Crematory, and even some non-German metal, namely Type O Negative (just try 'The Result'). 'Abyss of Shadows' is, probably an unintended, tribute to Iron Maiden's mighty 'To Tame a Land', at least at the beginning of the song. People always say, that Finnish metal is so melancholic and such, but let me tell you, these guys can do it as well. However, the band move between majestic, gloomier, and rocking tones.

The guitar riffs are usually heavy, hammering and generally quite aggressive. They stick to heavy metal style, but sadly, not always to my brain. On the other hand, catchy opening riffage on 'Change of Season' sounds like nursery rhyme! Wrong idea, and sadly pretty catchy too... The other thing that makes this album somewhat forgettable is this mid-paced tempo, that doesn't much vary during the album. Well, back to guitar work, then. The lead guitar playing is far more perceptible and emotional, and is elevated to its peak point on calm yet melancholic closer 'You Are Everything'. Also, guitar solos are often both memorable and cool. Calmer parts with non-distorted guitars are effectively used, e.g. prog rock passage on 'Traitor'. Sometimes it just seems, that a song is advancing too slowly. It kind of halts at some points, which is caused by dull parts throughout the album. This is not the juggernaut it could be.

Two vocalists offer appropriate voices here. Brainstorm-ish clean and pretty low-pitched singing, which goes to really low-pitched and thoroughly German pathos and also to Peter Steele-esque red wine soaked depths. Also, Depressive Age's style comes to my mind. Some throaty manner is also heard, but nothing like growling, more like stertoring voice. Neither of the vocalists aren't a good singer, but suit well enough with this kind of music. It is instantly recognized, that these guys come from Germany. At times, the vocals deepen the gothic feel. Often it's the chorus, that is the most memorable vocals line on a song, and some other vocal lines are too flaccid. The lyrical themes circle around greed and the result of it: The destruction of mankind.

The drumming is not light-handed, but sturdy. Suitable, surely, but not very compliant. Well, this isn't about slacking anyways. The bass playing is what's required, and actually sticks out from under heavy riffing, too. The production is fitting: Very heavy, throbbing, yet still not crammed full. Plus, it's rather organic. A job well done. And the album is self-released, would you believe?

Nailgun aren't doing something, that's heard very often. That's a good thing, but then again, they need more hitting songs. Now the music is a bit too indistinguishable and uneventful. This surely ain't instant coffee, but more like thick and oily stuff. There's subscription for this kind of stuff, too.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/23/2013 20:08