SLABBER Apocryphal Diary CD

Hailing from Milan, the Italian powerhouses Slabber deliver a high-octane heavy metal sermon with their 2021 album, Apocryphal Diary. Released through the well-regarded Punishment 18 Records, this record is a definitive step forward for the band, born from the ashes of the power metal group Rapid Fire, showcasing a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and fiercely modern. Apocryphal Diary is a masterclass in Traditional Heavy Metal with a Thrash Metal edge. The album is built on a foundation of razor-sharp, galloping riffs and a rock-solid rhythm section that echoes the power of legends like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and early Metallica. The vocal performance by Alessandro Bottin is particularly noteworthy, bringing a versatile and "biting" style that ranges from classic soaring melodies to more aggressive, grit-filled passages. Tracks like "Insane Attack" and "Time of Boredom" highlight the band’s ability to blend speed and melody with a sophisticated, slightly progressive songwriting touch. The production is clean yet punchy, allowing the intricate dual-guitar harmonies and orchestral arrangements to shine without losing the raw energy of a four-piece metal machine. For collectors of the Punishment 18 roster or fans of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal, this CD is an essential acquisition. It represents the best of the Italian scene: passionate, technically proficient, and unapologetically loud.