Various Artists
Diehard Music – Checkpoint #4

December 2003
Released: n/a, Diehard Music
Rating: 3.7/5
Reviewer: Night of the Realm

(Note, see each track below for individual scores)

Here’s a strange little compilation that was sent my way. When I got this album, I was not familiar with the Diehard Music label, and the band names were only mildly familiar to me.



Koldborn – “Of Sins Sublime” - from the album FIRST ENSLAVEMENT

Rating: 4/5

http://www.koldborn.dk

This track is off the debut album by this Danish band. These guys play very heavy death metal, but with a strong groove to it, not unlike Entombed. The riffs here have a nice, almost thrashy edge to them. Interesting melodic passage around 2:30 to break the song up a little. Based on this song, I’ll be checking for their album sometime soon.



GurD – “Razorblade” – from the album ENCOUNTER

Rating: 4.5/5

http://www.gurd.net

Shit, this is a killer track! These Swiss guys play pure heavy metal: a touch of death, a touch of thrash, lots of bass, and a strong Motorhead influence. Thick chuggy thrash riffs carry this song at a perfect headbang-able speed and intensity. My only complaint are the few short passages that feature the dropped guitars and clean vocals. Do away with that, and this track has no apparent faults.



2 Ton Predator – “Slowly Slaughtered” – from the album DEMON DEALER

Rating: 2.0/5

http://www.2tonpredator.com

A little death, a little thrash, and a little groove. 2 Ton Predator offers a smattering of various styles, but they do not develop any single one clearly on this track. Not bad, but could use improvement.



Aurora Borealis – “Sky Burial” – from the album TIME, UNVEILED

Rating: 5/5

http://www.auroraborealis.org

Aha, here we go. What’s not to love about Aurora Borealis? Ultra fast blackened death/thrash. The riffs are very tight and complex, and the tone is just raw enough to convey the icy mood of the song. One of the best underground acts today in the USA. You must give this band the attention they deserve!



Thorium – “Infestation of Salvation” – from the album UNLEASHING THE DEMONS

Rating: 3/5

http://www.thorium666.dk

Another Danish death metal band, these guys are just brutal. Good stuff, but not mindblowing in any way.





Diehard Music has some very good bands to offer on their label, and I definitely recommend looking into each band on the compilation. Check ‘em out at http://www.diehardmusic.com