Rebellion
Wyrd Bid Ful Araed-The History Of The Saxons

December 2015
Released: 2015, Massacre Records
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: JP

As I sit and write this review in the winter of 2015, one of my greatest failures as a Metalhead is that I do not own more albums by Rebellion. It is my sorrow and my shame. Back when the band was formed in 2001 as a spin-off of Grave Digger I knew I wanted to check them out. They debuted with an odd concept album based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth which I missed but I did make a point of buying their second album BORN A REBEL which I felt was superb. Then they switched to Massacre Records who had really poor distribution in North America with imports costing up to $30.00 per disc. So, over time I lost track of the band and they faithfully churned out another four albums in the space of seven years. About 2014 Massacre Records picked up much better distribution in North American and better promotion as well so I was delighted when the new Rebellion album fell in my lap.



THE HISTORY OF THE SAXONS is yet another historical conceptual piece like most of their catalogue and the title is self-explanatory. The band hasn’t had much change in the line-up although drummer Mattias Karle (Squealer) has been replaced by Timo Schneider (ex-Sencirow). There are a few spoken word passages that link the songs and fill out the story. It helps to have at least a passing knowledge of history the Middle Ages. Some of the lyrics are viciously anti-Christian, especially ‘Slave Religion’ as they are spoken from the perspective of the Saxons resisting the encroachment of Christianity. When Michael Seifert is spitting out the line ‘I’ll grind up your crucifix to dust and I shall feed it to my swine’ you can really feel the hate, which translates well with the pounding Germanic Metal.



The album is heavy and fast alternating between speedy songs, and mid-tempo grinders, and the whole album is loaded with nothing but Metal. No ballads to speak of, no keyboard solos, no extra frills, just crushing guitars and roaring vocals. The guitar tone is thick, the production is excellent and clear, everything is well balanced. The songs are standard construction, nothing too elaborate just solid meaty riffs. There are good choruses with some sing-along elements, ‘Runes of Victory’ and Hail Donar’ being stand-outs.



It’s an easy way to end a review but THE HISTORY OF THE SAXONS is recommended for fans of the truest of the true; those who enjoy bands like Wizard, Majesty, Paragon and of course Grave Digger. My New Years resolution for 2016 is easy. Buy more Rebellion albums.