Call Of Charon
Tales Of Tragedy
Massacre Records
With a history that’s as tumultuous as their sound, Germany’s Call Of Charon have been slaying stages and popping eardrums for nigh on twenty years. The inner turmoil that has characterised their career has been the fuel that feeds their fire and their sophomore album Tales Of Tragedy finds them veering further into the depths of human depravity. A record that deals with themes of serial killers, bereavement, and mental turmoil, the band have produced a dark and oppressive affair that’s impervious to light. However, things that exist in the shadows are often far more interesting and that’s certainly the case with Tales Of Tragedy, a ferocious slab of death infused metalcore that’s akin to being locked in a room with Ted Bundy. Yet, for all its brutality this is an album overflowing with neat ideas; some choice samples add a sinister atmosphere while the riffs are inventive and intersect at impossible angles. Factor in relentless drumming and guest vocals from To The Grave’s Dane Evans and you have bloodthirsty songs such as ‘They Come At Night’ which leap straight for the jugular. Clocking in at a cool 33 minutes, this is an album that doesn’t hang around but gains much strength from its brevity. Tales Of Tragedy is a triumph.
Review by Peter Dennis.