Formerly known as The Gonorrheas, Gonoreas hail from Switzerland. Bruggean claps?! Is that the town's red lights district's hottest export? Man... What do you think they play, grindcore or brutal goredeath? The answer is neither of the previous. Checking out their discography, no real references to any venereal diseases can be found. Cover artworks give hints, and they are heavy metal and power metal. Which are correct answers. They are certainly crossing over some genres, and by adding some thrash into that list, there you have Gonoreas.

Fuck... I still cannot get over that name! However, listening to their music does help to that malady. Here the subject is the band's latest full-length album, 'Minotaur'. Being already their sixth one (plus EPs and live releases), I had never before stumbled upon their crummy name. Their music easily sounds more entertaining than their name. Gonoreas... Really, what were they thinking?!?! Well, I need to get over that now and start dissecting the album itself.

Consisting of ten cuts and 45 minutes, 'Minotaur' can be a true neck snapper. It is not dwelling in the past too much with its speedy cranking. There are two bands that Gonoreas immediately remind me of, namely US legends Iced Earth, and German Brainstorm. Heavy metal mixed with thrash is what this album mostly is about, even though the band is at times labeled as a power metal one. Mainly Gonoreas do sound very much Central/Western European, even though influences are multi-continental. Some cool bands brought up, huh?! So, can Gonoreas cut it in that company?

According by 'Minotaur', they can. Starting with an intro, that sounds very Greek-ish with its wind instrumentation, sharp and finger-bleeding opening riffage of 'Seeds of a New Future' get things going. The rocking yet metal vibe makes one think out Accept and Iron Maiden. Definitely more of a heavy metal piece, the song really lights the fire with its energy. It becomes clear, that these guys have been doing this for a while, even though their enthusiasm can be sensed, too. It's not a million miles from Australian Dungeon's trot. Musicianships are high, and there's some insane fretboard antics thrown in right at the beginning. It's a joyous piece, whereas the following 'Puzzle' goes into darker territory, and the band's thrash metal trait begins to emerge. Still, likewise the opener, it shows that the band is on fire. Iced Earth influence is strong here, and that's old IE in this case; vocal-lines are indeed in vein of Matt Barlow, as well on 'Eris', just like riffs and general mood. Generally, 'Minotaur' does not include any hit-songwriting, but is at least a tad twisty and interesting for a big time; I didn't sense that Black Sabbath-esque part on 'Price of Eternity' popping up. Or 'Behind the Wall', which is a very non-candy acoustic song (well, I sensed that "ballad" moment coming, but...), with some System Of A Down style vocals its chorus, even though main vocals remind of Kai Hansen (sung by bass player).

While Gonoreas (man...) are strong throughout instrument/vocals field, it's the guitar playing of Damir Eskic, that tend to steal the show. Riffs can be real finger-bleeders, as well as soloing. When, and that's a lot of time here, this guy wants to shred, he fucking does it and you fucking love what he's doing! His tone is metallic and rippingly sharp yet powerful and ballsy when needed. The title track's soloing is very close to Andy LaRocque's, and moreover, King Diamond vibes are strong in that story song. Ace, if somewhat faceless guitar action!

The vocalist Leando Pacheco just left the band, which is a bloody shame. He's working as a vocal coach, so he has other goals. Here he showcases some amazing skills with robust voice. He can handle mid-to-high sections and also shrieks. However, some of vocals lines are somewhat lacking in their melodic objectives, whatever the reason may have been during creating them; was he thinking getting out of the band, perhaps? Anyway, a strong performance and another high point of the album. In the lyrics, myths and reality clash.

The rhythm section by bass player Pat Rafaniello and drummer Stefan Hösli provide very sturdy backbone to sharp guitar and high-pitched vocals. The beats and bass playing contain quite a bit of small tricks that lifts the album's already high "now that was cool playing/singing" level. Ooooooommmpph!!!!! Talking about ooomph, the album sounds good with everything-well-audible, punchy, yet a bit too modern production job. It's not plastic at all, but it's a bit too clean, even though everything sounds organic on the other hand. Maybe it's a bit too airy, not as tight as it could. Hard to pinpoint exactly what's wrong... Maybe the digital media itself?

Partly high-octane, partly darker power/thrash, 'Minotaur' comes clouting at its listener with both ways. It does miss at times, but overally does home many punches. Far from perfect, far from lame. Gave me more listening pleasure than, say, Accept's latest one. Go try it and who knows, you might found a fine new band albeit a long way into their career already. You might well get infected (hah).

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
08/08/2018 23:12