Prezir - As Rats Devour Lions
Poland
Godz of War
I’m
a cranky old-fart metal elitist. Yet, somehow, I found myself
reviewing new albums in the most life-embittered way. This review is
the story of the album “As Rats Devour Lions” by Prezir.
Prezir is an interesting band. They come from Milwaukee, WI in the USA, but they maintain a connection to the Balkans. The name of the band is the Serbian word for “Contempt.” And this fits the band’s music nicely. They are distinctively American, but they do have European undertones in their music.
Prezir describes themselves as Anti-Ideological Metal, which is accurate, considering the lyrical content. For simplicity’s sake, I would say that they straddle the line between several genres, but I think they lean closest to War Metal. They are definitely Black metal, but they incorporate elements of Death and Thrash Metal.
This variety is for a reason for this. The various members have been involved in multiple very different bands over the years. Rory Heikkila (Gust, Heedless Descent, Promethean Parallax, and Shroud of Despondency) and Tyler Okrzesik (Cholernik and Sillage) are on guitars; Luka Đorđević (Khazaddum and Promethean Parallax) is on vocals; Brian Serzynski (Pig’s Blood and Shut In) is on drums; Jerry Hauppa (Ara, Concentric, Northless, and Steel Iron) is on bass. These are working musicians who keep their skills sharp.
“As Rats Devour Lions” was released 18 August 2018 by Godz ov War on CD; and they selfreleased it digitally and on cassette. This is their second release; their first being “Contempt” back in 2017.
This is a varied and enjoyable record. Yes, it maintains a traditional Black Metal sound and feel, but it is much stronger than most Black Metal records – thanks to a noticeable Thrash influence. The vocals range from high-pitched Black to deep Death styles. What really is exemplary in this album is the how the interplay between the guitars and bass. I should mention at this point that I can hear a very strong “Anthems”-era Emperor influence in the guitar playing. And this is a very good thing.
While there are no particularly weak songs, this album has several tracks that stand out. “Dar alHarb” has some outstanding interplay between the guitars; it’s reminiscent of “Howl Ravens Come” by Einherjer. “Serpents in the House of Ra” is downright groovy – not groove metal, but groovy; I don’t know any other Black Metal song that I can say this about.
“Hamatsa Death Ritual” is the
high point of the album. It shifts gears seamlessly, has a good solo,
and the instruments play off of each other really well. It also has
this certain intangible something that makes it great.
“As
Rats Devour Lions” was produced by Shane Hochstetler. The
production on this album is clean, so all the instruments are clear.
They complement each other instead of fighting for the listener’s
attention.
Now, the lyrics – Despite what the scenesters will have you believe, Black Metal was created to be offensive to our most dearly-held beliefs. And Prezir delivers. As I pointed out before, they play “Anti-Ideological Metal,” and they spare no one. All the major religions and political stances are directly criticized in this album; and they do this to encourage the listener to form his own opinions as an individual. Also, these criticisms are not vulgar and mindless; quite the opposite – they are rooted in history. Each song gives a historical context and reason for their criticism. These lyrics are what really make Prezir stand out from the hordes of Black Metal bands.
Prezir’s “As Rats Devour Lions” is one of the very few bands that hold true to Black Metal’s roots while playing music that is both intelligent and enjoyable. If they continue to grow in this direction, they will become legends. Black Metal fans should run out, and buy this album, because you will not find a more honest and engaging album. (Hiram 3-5-7)
