Gospel of the Horns - A Call to Arms (2002, Invictus Productions)

Track list:

1. Chaos Bringer

2. Absolute Power

3. Vengeance is Mine

4. Slaves

5. A Call to Arms

6. The Power of Darkness

7. The Trial of Mankind

I'd never heard of Gospel of the Horns until I saw them opening for Sodom during the German thrash masters' 2012 tour in London, but after being well and truly annihilated by their searing live show that night, I knew this was a band worth delving deeper into.

A Call to Arms is the first full length album from this Aussie horde, and despite the band forming way back in '93 wasn't recorded or released until 2002. With a total of seven tracks clocking in at just over half an hour's running time, Gospel of the Horns have produced a truly awesome slab of black/thrash mayhem. Despite being both contemporaries and fellow countrymen of perhaps Australia's most well-known blackened thrash band, Deströyer 666, Gospel certainly aren't content with being mere imitators, and have created a very distinct sound of their own.

In the world of blackened thrash, Gospel of the Horns have definitely stirred a bit more black than thrash into their bubbling cauldron of hate. Vocalist and bassist Mark Howitzer stands firmly at the front of the mix with his raspy growls, which despite their classic black metal leanings still manage to stay very clear and intelligible, actually enabling the listener to appreciate the lyrical content (fairly standard anti-Christian stuff for the most part, but well written nonetheless). Howitzer certainly has an instantly recognisable delivery and it's always a highlight of the band's output. His bass also cuts through the mix nicely and adds some real weight to the songs.

The grimy dual guitar attack of Marauder and Masochist is the other real high point of A Call to Arms, with a total filthy Hellhammer/Morbid Tales feel to them and plenty of old Sodom and Kreator thrown in for good measure. There are occasional solos dropped in here and there but nothing too indulgent to ruin the decidedly ferocious, evil atmosphere the band manage to forge with the rhythm work. Hellcunt's drums, while nothing technically impressive, are perfectly solid and workmanlike and drive the guitars forward alongside Howitzer's rumbling four-string assault. They certainly adhere to Fenriz' rule that black metal drums should just "be there".

In terms stand-out moments on the album, the opening track "Chaos Bringer" in an undoubted highlight; although let down a bit by a slightly pointless and generic opening ambiance of creepy sounds, rumbling thunder and air raid sirens, Howitzer's final demented howl of "CHAOS FUCKING BRINGER!" totally makes up for it. "Vengeance is Mine" is a staple of Gospel's live set thanks to its awesome shout-along chorus, and "Slaves", probably the most straightforwardly thrashy track on the album is also noteworthy with some memorable riffs and a distinct black 'n roll tinge that gives it a bit of a different feel to the rest of the album.

There is just one complaint I have about A Call to Arms: 32 minutes just isn't fucking long enough!