Review by Jeff Maki
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“What happens when you put a bunch of bloodthirsty, music-loving goblins together? Well, a lot of disembowelment, but also a lot of catchy tunes. Formed six millennia ago, and practicing only every other leap year on a full moon, the band has perfected their brand of crushing goblin music.” — Nekrogoblikon
Nekrogoblikon fills a much needed void—well, maybe not “much” needed. OK, let’s just say they “fill a void.” Or they “fill something.” Maybe a trick-or-treat bag.
During my teen thrash and death metal years, there were a small handful of talented, parody-type bands. Bands like Green Jelly (I’m still mad over the whole Jell-O/jelly thing), Scatterbrain and even Wrathchild America—anyone remember “I Ain’t Drunk, I’m Just Drinkin?” Sure, today we have the almighty pretty boyz of Steel Panther (and really, given how ridiculously awesome they are, do we need anymore?), we have the swashbuckling band of the high seas,Alestorm (and suddenly now no less than five other “pirate metal” bands), but that’s about it. These types of bands offer a break from the norm, a break from the every day grind. And Nekrogoblikon does that, too, albeit in a different way—and they’re “dressed as goblins.” Read more about the origins of Nekrogoblikon and more in our recent interview with vocalist Nicky Calonne here.
What sets Nekrogoblikon apart (besides the goblin) is this is a fun extreme metal band. Yes, you read that correctly. And this is really the first of its kind that doesn’t take itself seriously AT ALL. But these guys can fucking play. I’d closely compare them musically to Cradle of Filth (“Mold,” “The Skin Thief”), and then there’s the Alestorm-y “Dragons.” But this is closest to Children of Bodom (“The Many Faces of Dr. Hubert Malbec,” “Killing Time”), with screeching vocals and dazzling keyboards behind contagious, melodic death metal riffs. Vocally, I’m not entirely sure this isn’t Dani Filth in a goblin mask—I wouldn’t put it past him.
But in all seriousness, check out these guys on wax, and probably more importantly live—there’s no way in hell this couldn’t be a wickedly good time. At the very least, give the song “The Magic Spider” a spin—and make a wish.
Seek and Strike, April 13, 2018
Rating: 8.5/10