DEMO REVIEW: Käptör - Thräshättäkk (2024)

Käptör – Thräshättäkk

Estonia

Gatekeeper Records

 

There’s no denying the quality of the Estonian underground scene, with killer bands like Goatsmegma, Lein, Skullfukk SS, Koffin, Thunraz, etc. Käptör is another band worthy of adding to the list, having just released their bone-crushing debut demo, aptly titled “Thräshättäkk”. I haven’t heard any thrash bands from Estonia prior to reviewing this demo, so it’s always cool to hear new and upcoming bands, particularly from Northern Europe.
 
The demo consists of three tracks and has a playing time of about twelve minutes, and in that short time you get to hear a healthy dose of methamphetamine-induced street thrash reminiscent of bands like Slayer, Dark Angel and Overkill. For a first demo, the band shows a lot of promise, though I have a feeling they will explore their arsenal a bit more on future releases in terms of finding their identity. I like the raw approach and fast riffing, along with the totally analog sound of this recording, which almost sounds like a rehearsal.
 

The vocals have a crossover feel to them and are effectively executed, while the drums are energetic and non-stop. The riffs are pretty deadly and one of the band’s strong points. There’s definitely something special about these guys: I mean, just look at the artwork – it’s cool as hell and screams ‘80s thrash worship, while the song titles like “Speed & Pöwer” and “Förce öf the Käptör” are simply badass and say a lot about the band’s attitude. All in all, Käptör’s first demo is a solid entry into the world of thrash and shows a band with a lot of potential, so let’s hope they stick around for a few more releases so we can follow their progress. Solid effort.

DEMO REVIEW: Lein - The Call of Grief (2024)

Lein - The Call of Grief

Estonia 

Gatekeeper Records   

 

“The Call of Grief” is the debut demo by Estonian black metal quartet Lein (Estonian for “Grief”) and was released by Gatekeeper Records on cassette format limited to 100 copies.
 

The band hails from the city of Tallinn, which is one of the snowiest cities in Europe and known for its beautiful medieval architecture, so it makes sense that such a setting would produce a band whose music conjures up images of forests and snow-capped mountains.
 
The demo opens with a somber intro that perfectly sets the tone for this release, followed by “Light”, a mid-tempo track with majestic riffs and hateful vocals that are rather mid-ranged and bestial, as opposed to the higher-pitched shrieking that you often hear in black metal, though I feel like this sets them apart a bit and actually fits the music very well.
 
Production-wise, the album has a rather simple approach and feels organic, especially the drums, which are on point and eminently well-executed. The third track “Öö Langeb” goes into darker territory and features a series of deadly riffs reminiscent of Dark Fury, which are perfectly layered over the vicious screams, while “Parasite” shows their knack for more bestial rhythms, including some epic guitar solos to boot.
 
"The Call of Grief” is packed with icy riffs and a melancholic atmosphere, but also has a verily gritty edge, including some excellent leads on the last track called “Last Winter” (no pun intended). Truly, this is a thoroughly excellent demo through and through and since it’s just starting to get colder in my country, it’s a rather fitting listen.
 
Fans of bands like Dark Fury, Hate Forest and Graveland should not miss out on this release, as everything on this demo is extremely well done and shows a band with a lot of potential and a penchant for excellent craftsmanship.
 
“The Call of Grief” consists of five compositions with a playing time of 26:26 minutes and is black metal at its finest. Highly recommended.