In the realm of metal, few projects dare to blend unabashed humor with unrelenting ferocity as adeptly as Austrian Death Machine. “Quad Brutal,” the latest offering from Tim Lambesis, the mastermind behind this audacious endeavor, marks a triumphant return after a decade-long hiatus. This album is not merely a collection of tracks; it’s a high-octane tribute to the larger-than-life persona of Arnold Schwarzenegger, encapsulating the essence of his cinematic legacy with a sonic punch that’s as serious as it is satirical.
From the get-go, “Quad Brutal” distinguishes itself from its predecessors by eschewing introductory skits for a direct dive into the deep end of metal mayhem. The opening track sets the stage with its dense guitar work and a blend of death metal growls and melodic singing, courtesy of notable guests like Craig Golias and Rob Bailey, whose contributions amplify the album’s thematic bravado.
The album’s composition boasts a veritable who’s who of the metal scene, featuring collaborations with Ricky Hoover, Angel Vivaldi, and Joey Alarcon, among others. This collaborative spirit not only enriches the album’s sound but also underscores Lambesis‘s commitment to creating a communal metal experience. “Quad Brutal” is as much a family affair as it is a musical project, with tracks like “Destroy the Machines” featuring Lambesis‘s wife, Dany, adding a personal touch to the album’s narrative.
Musically, “Quad Brutal” is a relentless assault on the senses. Tracks like “Meatgrinder” and “Everybody Pities the Weak” deliver ferocious guitars and shredding solos that embody the spirit of rebellion and resistance. The album’s thematic cohesion is further bolstered by its lyrical content and song titles, which cleverly nod to Schwarzenegger‘s filmography while exploring themes of strength, perseverance, and defiance.
What sets “Quad Brutal” apart is its ability to balance its thematic gimmickry with genuine musical craftsmanship. The album is a testament to Lambesis’s skill as a musician and a songwriter, capable of crafting songs that are as catchy as they are complex. The inclusion of humor and self-awareness prevents the album from feeling overly pretentious, inviting listeners to embrace the absurdity while headbanging to the relentless riffs.
In conclusion, “Quad Brutal” is a masterclass in thematic metal, offering a unique blend of homage, humor, and hardcore musicianship. It’s a sonic juggernaut that pays tribute to an icon of cinema while standing as a formidable entry in the metal genre. Lambesis and his cohort have crafted an album that is as entertaining as it is explosive, proving that even the most outlandish concepts can yield serious musical merit when executed with passion and precision. “Quad Brutal” earns a solid 9 out of 10, a must-listen for fans of metal, Schwarzenegger, and anyone in between who appreciates when music dares to defy expectations.
Luz’s rating: 9 / 10
Quad Brutal track listing:
1. No Pain No Gain (feat. Craig Golias, Angel Vivaldi)
2. Conquer (feat. HELLBØRN, Clayton King)
3. Hey Bro Can You Spot Me? (feat. Craig Golias, Alarcon)
4. Judgment Day (feat. Ov Sulfur)
5. Everybody Pities The Weak (feat. HELLBØRN)
6. Don’t Be Lazy (feat. Craig Golias)
7. Get Down (feat. Craig Golias)
8. Destroy The Machines (feat. Dany Lambesis)
9. MeatGrinder (feat. HELLBØRN)
10. I Never Quit (feat. Kill ROB Bailey, Craig Golias, Bleeding Through)
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AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE launched 15 years ago as a one man band, triumphing as the metal scene’s newest obsession with their 2008 debut album, Total Brutal. After releasing two more acclaimed albums in 2009 and 2014, the one man band did the impossible – they broke up. After a decade of regrowth and rebirth, and with the help of good friends by his side, Lambesis finally felt inspired to work on new music for the project, now emerging as Quad Brutal – chock full of the band’s most heavy, breakneck riffage, non-stop pummeling rhythms and Ahhnold-approved ferocity yet!
Absolute units like relentless debut single “No Pain No Gain”, hammering “Get Down”, apocalyptic harbinger “Judgment Day” and massive “I Never Quit” blister and groove with unmatched fury, while death-meets-metalcore burners like “Destroy The Machines”, “MeatGrinder” and “Don’t Be Lazy” explode with the colossal strength of Ahhnold himself. On the other end of the weight bench, large and in charge head-spinners like “Conquer”and “Hey Bro Can You Spot Me?” bring the brutality without sacrificing melody, and will have fans of Lambesis’ other projects turning their heads.
AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE is prepared to climb back to the top of their weight class – packing more punch than Mr Universe himself with Quad Brutal!
Lambesis says about Quad Brutal:
“Being commissioned by The Govournator to sonically encompass the brutality of 80s action, bodybuilding, and judgment day into one album is a task that comes with great responsibility. First, I had to make it brutal of course. Then, I had to make sure to include choruses so that people don’t forget the great wisdom of Ahhnold’s words. And since it’s the fourth album, I had to really work on my quad strength at the gym to someday be ready to carry the weight of the world from the album cover when it’s passed along to me someday. The result is an album that is much more diverse than any ADM album I’ve written, and in the spectrum of heavy, it is the most brutal by a long shot when you hear all 10 songs.”