(CD, Napalm Records, 2022)
It can be a genuinely rewarding experience to start listening to an album without any idea of the music genre inside - especially when the band is coming from a scene that one rarely visits or (even better) has never been exposed to. Let’s not forget that music is Art and therefore it does not have to always be comforting or give you a “fuzzy” feeling. In fact, in music, it is an added pleasure to get occasionally shocked and end up using more than just a set of ears to digest an album. LEAGUE OF DISTORTION check all the boxes to such an extent that the Germans are nowhere close to my ‘cup of tea’. And because of that, “League Of Distortion” quickly became a massive surprise that kept me listening to it back to back.
Some decades ago, I would have difficulties admitting that I like “Wolf Or Lamb” simply because the electronic sounds are too modern. But the groovy rhythm section and Ace’s wide-ranged and expressional vocals are just the first things that will get you hooked. The catchy chorus is an immediate sing-along, and I can use AMARANTHE or WITHIN TEMPTATION as easy-to-mention references. The guitars are one step behind on the mix drawing your attention to the vocals and the groove. The almost whispering vocals, during the slower break, create the perfect climax circling back to the chorus. Around here, one should start paying attention to the lyrics too; “there are many ways to live and die, those who run from death collapse in life” is a hint that the band has things to say. The contrast created by the guitar-heaviness in the LACUNA COIL-tinted “My Revenge” is a welcomed explosion with almost Metalcore breakdowns. Ace uses a harsher voice that goes hand-in-hand with this up-tempo mood-lifter and fist raiser. Pay extra attention to Arro’s guitar leads as Ace is screaming “‘cause this is my revenge” right before the last chorus of the song. Ok, the Marilyn Manson-styled singing in the beginning of “It Hurts So Good” seriously threw me off, but the LINKIN PARK-esque catchy grooves restored whatever balance I had obtained this far. Here, ANNISOKAY's Christoph Wieczorek does some guess singing to spice things even more. What became obvious is that LEAGUE OF DISTORTION will throw a few curveballs to the unsuspected listener, but for me, this is the ace on the band’s sleeve and what kept me engaged. Because addressing (or catching) those curveballs, I have to tip my hat to LEAGUE OF DISTORTION for “L.O.D.” that is a shoutout to Metal scene’s inclusivity; “but the Generation X babe is coming alive” does sound great for those of use in the late 40s.
What are those curveballs then? “I’m A Bitch” with the bouzouki riffs in the beginning and the techno beat, is one and for some may be too much, huh? But soon enough the guitar distortion kicks in and hits you with a headbanging break as the double-bass drumming does during the explosive last minute or so. The keyboards often add a dramatic tone like in “Solitary Confinement” or in the amazing “Do You Really Think I Fuckin’ Care”, where you should feel the lyrics’ strong bite (that matches the music like tailored suit). The bite is stronger in “SIN”, which I think is the darkest song of the album, and I will credit the lyrics for this. You can sense this through the opening guitar arpeggios and Ace’s dramatic tone, but once you pay attention to the lyrics, you’ll feel the darkness at full strength. The verses before the second chorus strike the hardest, so please pay attention.
What started as “too modern” for my worn-out ears, turned into a several album replays that eventually led to my appreciation for LEAGUE OF DISTORTION’s songwriting. There is a mix of styles, often non-Metal, but the result will surprise you, and then get you hooked. Mark my words; if LEAGUE OF DISTORTION manage to get their foot in the US door, they will quickly establish a big fanbase. Check them out ASAP.
“You've got to fight 'til the bitter end, Everyone falls but we get up again”
8/10
Links:
www.FaceBook.Com/LeagueOfDistortion
www.Instagram.Com/LeagueOfDistortion
Tracklist:
01. Wolf Or Lamb
02. My Revenge
03. It Hurts So Good (feat. ANNISOKAY)
04. L.O.D.
05. I'm A Bitch
06. Rebel By Choice
07. Solitary Confinement
08. SIN
09. The Bitter End
10. Do You Really Think I Fuckin' Care
Lineup:
Ace (Anna Brunner) - Vocals
Arro (Jim Müller) - Guitars
Ax (Felix Rehmann) - Bass
Aeon (Tino Calmbach) - Drums