BAT – Primitive Age 12′
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 10-02-2015
This 5 song, 13 minute effort originally came out in 2013 as the debut demo from Virginia three-piece act BAT – and Hells Headbangers felt it was strong enough to re-release in 12" vinyl format. These speed/ heavy metal merchants include ex-DRI drummer Felix Griffin, Municipal Waste bassist Ryan Waste (who doubles on vocals here), and guitarist Nick Poulos – and the songs are very much raw, in your face and possess a lot of early NWOBHM qualities that fueled Maiden, Venom, and the like in their early years.
"BAT" has a nifty, galloping instrumental section and Ryan gets a chance to flex a little lead bass work at times, often harmonizing with Felix in the faster passages. Another song "Rule of the Beast" has that crossover charge, very much reminding me of the Canadian speed days along with a touch of Motörhead. Before you know it, the crushing power of these quick songs makes you want to rage again.
Curious to hear what follow up material will be like once they can record again.
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