Ratzinger : 2012
by Cyndi Jo
Staff Writer
After the simply dumb end of the world proclamation that never came on May 21, 2011, we are left to anticipate 2012 to be our demise. Well, if that’s the case, 2012 the second album from the Chilean metal band Ratzinger, which includes 10 killer tracks of thrash metal that are full on fierce, twisted grooves, is probably what most of us should be listening to on our way to wherever.
The tribal themed first track, “Make Make” will not only intrigue, but will make a listener initially wonder if the album is yet, a themed-end-of-world compilation album. If that’s the case, as soon as the fury and rage blasting from the second track “Zeitgeist” begins all doubts will be left behind. The song is defined by a very heavy metal groove that should definitely be playing as the world ends. Needless to say, it might not have that sinister end of the world vibe completely down to every metal-head’s standards, the band does deliver a raw compilation of music with ingredients of trash, death, raging metal that makes it hell-a good. Almost sounding much like Eagles of Death metal, it’s the influence of exotic musical textures that makes this band unique. The brutal and catchy “King of Lava” is injected with chuggy riffs complimented with a bridge that’s attacked by a tribal bell for a brief solo. For an independent, low recording quality album, it’s pretty damn good.
Many sections that warrant headbanging and are great for thrashing out are definitely here, however, some of the vocals by Ivan Vega are overpowering to such an extreme that it’s hard to understand him. Nonetheless, the drumming by Fabian Hachim is amazing, that when combined with riffs by Felipe Majluf and the backing rhythms of Patricio Garcia maximize the listening experience.
The album also includes 5 extra re-mixed tracks that feature guest musicians from bands like Six Magics, Dama Juana, Demonios, Delta, and Neolitic. Although, the purpose for those remixes are to give an extra oomph to the album, fans will appreciate them. But if your not a fan of remixes, the skip button will have to be used. Give it a try, it’s Chilean thrash metal at it’s greatest; never mind numbing or dull. If the world would come to an end and Rage Against the Machine and Megadeth would to have a baby together, it would be named 2012.
Genre: Metal / Thrash
Band:
Ivan Vega
Patricio Garcia
Fabian Hachim
Felipe Majluf
Tracklisting:
1. Make Make
2. Zeitgeist
3. Global Defect
4. Slave of the Gods
5. Time Wave Zero
6. Beginning of the End
7. King of Lava
8. Eye of the Hurricane
9. El Tiempo del No Tiempo
10. Life Goes By
Website: myspace.com/ratzingermetal
Label: Digmetalworld
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.5/10