Weapon "Drakonian Paradigm"

Weapon- Drakonian Paradigm

(The AJNA Offensive)

Primitive black metal from a quartet from Edmonton, Canada, with roots in Bangladesh, Weapon is the creation of Vetis Monarch. Interestingly, although trivial, Monarch lived for a time in Bangladesh and recorded Weapon’s demo and first 7” there prior to re-settling in Canada. With a revamped lineup, the fully formed Weapon now issues the debut full-length, entitled “Drakonian Paradigm” on The AJNA Offensive.

Playing 80s-era, early black metal with a mid-paced tempo and, initially, a primitive sound, Weapon are a nice throwback to the days of Hellhammer, early Sodom, Bathory, and the like. Taking a no frills approach to their attack, Weapon lay on plenty of rather sloppily played, mid-paced black metal with slimy atmosphere. Simple riffs, greasy rasps, a percussion that mostly takes on a mid-paced tempo, and a low-fi, deep production perfectly accompany the misanthropic disgust with which Weapon portray their music.

Not all of Weapon's chosen means of assault are purely vicious, though, as there are lots of surprising moments of melody with acoustical guitars, soloing, and the odd appearance of keyboards. In addition, although initially primitive sounding, the song structures are rather interesting with an atypical mix of all out black metal and the milder, introspective moments that incorporate older elements of just pure heavy metal. In short, Weapon have found a unique take on an old genre.

“Drakonian Paradigm” will certainly appeal to old hands such as myself that are looking for a throwback to the days of old, but the interesting mix of structures within songs will also appeal to those looking for atypical black metal. Recommended.

Links

Weapon Official MySpace

The AJNA Offensive