Album Review: Venator - Echoes From The Gutter

Venator - Echoes From The Gutter

Dying Victims Productions - 2022

9/10

Having been around since 2016, the Austrian heavy metallers Venator came forth with their debut album early on this year. Titled Echoes From The Gutter, they pay homage to the classic acts along the lines of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. It’s safe to say that this influence shows itself in many traditional metal bands, but they’re really good at distinguishing themselves. Part of this may be because they reflect the Painkiller-onward era of Rob Halford and co., but with a refreshing, young charm.

As you may suspect, things stick to the melodic side, straying away from anything harsh vocal-wise. No wicked distortions are needed for the riffing, but the hoarse levels of energy and tighter production almost allow this to fall in line with the US power metal scene. Many of the tracks invite acoustic sections, longer solos, and slightly advanced bass passages to compliment the harder gallops and drum kicks. While certainly not progressive, this causes the playing to feel fuller and a bit more intricate.

That doesn’t mean that Echoes From The Gutter isn’t packed with memorable choruses and uplifting emotions. In fact, the slightly raspy vocal delivery packaged with the hopeful tones works wonderfully. “The Seventh Seal” dances all over the place between harder riffing, acoustic transitions, and the interwoven somber solo. At no point does any of this feel forced, nor does the catchy chorus feel out of place. Early on, this is Venator showcasing their ability to pack in different phases and a resolution.

Moreover, the lyrics fit in wonderfully here. The hopeful feelings coupled with that often make for rising action that can mold into a chorus that’s equally soothing as it is explosive, such as in “Red And Black.” Closer “Streets Of Gold” is also such a fun number to go out on; while a longer tune, there’s so much life in the lead guitars and vocals here. Plenty of room is left for straightforward metal bangers without extra toppings. The steadier layers of “The Hex” or the direct blow of “Manic Man” shall scratch this itch without a problem.

If I’m going to listen to something that so obviously reflects the classics, I always want it to go this direction. Small touches of repetition, louder bass presence, a decent length, and injections of the band’s own tricks prop this up so much. It should be pretty obvious who the target audience is for this type, and which listeners would dig it. Easily one of the best albums to come out of this year.

Listen - Bandcamp