TREPALIUM – H.N.P.
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 29-06-2012
French death metal with some jazzy/funk trippy elements, quite a treat for the fans as Trepalium plunge forward on this fourth album “H.N.P.”. It’s not as raw and uncompromising as the Swedes, Trepalium instead use reference points from Coroner, Meshuggah, and Gojira to get their ideas across. A swing groove captivates your body as the simplified distortion riffs take “Insane Architect” into a heavier version of funk metal- while KK’s acidic screams keep the proceedings from becoming totally commercial.
The follow up “Let The Clown Rise” terrorizes with its blast beat intensity that succumbs to a mid-tempo power groove and off kilter chord sequences, racing in a progressive maze chase. I question the inclusion of “I’m Broken”- their cover version of a Pantera track from their “Far Beyond Driven” days- solely because I don’t think anyone can really outdo or outperform the Paul brothers when it comes to the power/ groove metal template.
Those who don’t mind a distinct rhythmic street sensibility to their energetic power death will find Trepalium quite aurally orgasmic.