Punk’s Dark Prodigy: BAT’s ‘Under The Crooked Claw’ Strikes
In the shadowy nexus where punk’s raw energy collides with metal’s thunderous might, BAT emerges with their latest offering, “Under The Crooked Claw.” Released by the storied Nuclear Blast Records, this album is a raucous celebration of speed-punk and metal, a testament to the genre’s enduring vitality and BAT’s mastery over it.
BAT, the speed-punk side project of Ryan Waste and Nick Poulos from Municipal Waste, has been a force in the underground scene since their inception. With the addition of new drummer Chris Charge, “Under The Crooked Claw” marks a new era for the band, one that is laden with the spirit of punk and the soul of metal.
The album kicks off with a short, atmospheric intro that sets the stage for the auditory onslaught to follow. “Vampyre Lore” then takes the reins, a track brimming with brutal energy and a nod to the band’s love for horror and the macabre. The songs that follow, including “Just Buried” and “Marauders Of Doom,” are relentless in their pace, each one a hymn to the old school, performed with a conviction that is palpable.
The music of “Under The Crooked Claw” is heavily influenced by punk legends like Motörhead, with a streetwise attitude and a production that’s as dirty as the gutters of a forgotten alley. The solos are short, sharp, and cut through the mix like a switchblade, while the overall feeling is akin to the soundtrack of a riotous night out—bottles smashed, battle vests drenched in sweat, and lips bruised from an off-the-rails pogo.
Ryan Waste’s bass dominates the soundscape, much louder and more pronounced than in Municipal Waste, giving the album a gritty backbone that supports the frenetic guitar work. The twelve tracks, post-intro, form a cohesive entity of pure headbanging frenzy, a marriage of early Venom’s speed metal blitzkrieg with the most metallized recordings of The Exploited and Discharge.
“Under The Crooked Claw” is an album by fans, for fans. It’s clear that BAT lives and breathes early speed metal, and this passion translates into a record that, while not breaking new ground, delivers a beatdown that’s both exhilarating and nostalgic. Clocking in at just over 35 minutes, the album is the perfect daily dose of metal radicalism to break the monotony of routine.
Mixed by the renowned Jacob Hansen, the album strikes the perfect balance between heaviness and hookiness, resulting in a sound that is both impactful and unforgettable. It’s a record that doesn’t just resonate with the ears but also with the heart and soul, leaving listeners longing for more, a testament to the album’s captivating allure.
As BAT prepares to unleash “Under The Crooked Claw” on May 17, 2024, the metal community awaits with bated breath. This album is not just a milestone for BAT; it’s a beacon for the future of metal. Prepare to be captivated by the electrifying blend of heavy melodies and soaring vocals that is BAT’s “Under The Crooked Claw.”
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