Metal Underground.com

European and hardcore are two words that typically don’t go together, unless you’re from the U.K. Hardcore in general is something that usually thrives in cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Germany; not Biel-Bienne, Switzerland. But Switzerland’s Blackwall are setting out to change that and show the world their own unique blend of blackened-hardcore anthems with their debut self-titled album.

Despite the absolutely ridiculous sample that begins the track, album opener “Torn” provides an effective insight to Blackwall’s blackened-hardcore style. Speedy, simplistic riffing from lone guitarist Roger Moser sync with the feedback infested bass of Laurent Gyger to create the wall of sound that builds the foundation for “Torn,” and the rest of the album.

Blast-beats roll out in full force in “Price To Pay,” a song that builds its way up to the band’s traditional speed from a slow, near grinding intro. “Price To Pay” is by far the song with the most black metal influence, with guitar work occasionally reminiscent of Emperor’s later years. The track provides a great listen and is one of the more memorable from the album.

What defines the record is the raspy vocal delivery from Rob Miola, who remains consistent across the entire disc. Whereas some songs do fall into the been-there-done-that category musically, the vocals are always impressive and are able to carry through some of the lower points on the record. The low points do not last long due to the album’s extremely short playing time of just twenty six minutes. Simply put, “Blackwall” is a short, compact, and energy-filled debut album that will surely send live crowds into a frenzy.

With some slight variations to Blackwall’s sound they can go one of two ways: maintain their simplistic approach to hardcore or expand to become a truly unique entity in today’s metal scene. Either way, Blackwall will be a band to watch for years to come.