Make way for violence with Tundra.
After a first EP in 2020, followed by numerous shows, Morgan (vocals), Steven (bass), Louis (drums) and Patrick (guitar) sign to Rottweiler Records and unveil their new album Eternal.
We start with Alone, a long introduction where clean vocals and a few eerie sounds lead into the first real dissonant slap Welcome To Hell, which gives us a respite before the riffs kick in. The vocal parts are very raw compared to the rhythmic mix, but the groove binds them together quite harmoniously, even offering a moment’s float before picking up again on The Pit, where the musicians reveal a certain darkness, even letting the vocalist adopt Post-Hardcore tones. The heady harmonies eventually become truly oppressive before the final explosion, but The Witch takes over with rather massive, jerky riffs, especially on the break where a few samples also appear. There’s a touch of melancholy on Smoke and Mirrors, due not only to the clean vocals but also to some softer keyboards, and this atmosphere persists even as the riffs ignite, but disappears for pure violence when Hostage takes over. The track is quite short, and the only moment it gives us to breathe is the break, quickly followed by a return of uncontrollable rage before handing over to 911, a relatively catchy interlude that allows us to temporize a little and leads into the virulent Undead and its driving riffs. A few samples add an intriguing touch to the pure violence, as do Insane‘s cybernetic touches, which temporize the relentless strikes and give them a certain icy touch, particularly on the final. We continue with the infectious energy of Revelation, which undoubtedly shows its full potential live during the explosive moments, but the clear vocals soften the chorus before leaving us with You Are, a ballad with modern tones that closes the album with this moment of gentleness, although the last part is saturated all the same.
While Tundra stands out with its wildly violent passages, the band doesn’t hesitate to create a contrast with softer touches, making Eternal an album that’s sometimes a little too surprising. The potential is there, and I’m sure the band can work on it.
65/100