Hard-hitting songs

Australian thrash and death metal band Nocturnal Graves have been jolting fans’ veins with their music since 2004, and earlier this month, the band released An Outlaw’s Stand. As a whole, the record represents what thrash and death metal should sound like due to J.R.’s skills as a vocalist, drummer and guitarist that bring strong authority to each track. Decaylusts’ and Shrapnel’s guitar playing bleeds madness and the background vocals by Decaylust and Prain contribute to the heart-shaking sounds. Nocturnal Graves know how to shock people’s minds with their hard-hitting tunes.

The electrifying “Command For Conflict” is filled with righteous lead guitar playing from Decaylust. Right off the bat, strong guitar riffs emerge from the background with great authority, with energy that bursts through each note. The best part is hearing a killer guitar solo that will blow the minds of those who are listening. “Command For Conflict” is the second track off of An Outlaw’s Stand, and Decaylust knows how to play wild guitar riffs filled with rage.

The almighty track “Across the Acheron” gives an insight into what kind of a vocalist J.R. is. His dominant vocals have high-strung emotions of hatred that drip through his deep, raspy voice. “Across the Acheron” is a fun song that has a bold vocal performance from J.R. Not only this song, but throughout the entire composition, J.R. isn’t afraid to show what kind of a performer he is.

Wild “No Mercy For Weakness” shows what kind of a multi-musician J.R. is by how his drum playing steals the show with thunderous beats. While listening, it is nice to hear how dedicated J.R. is as a drummer because of how fast he plays on a simple musical tempo. The louder J.R. plays on the drums, the faster each drum beat is, and people will find themselves head-banging while listening. J.R does show no mercy on this track with his blazing drum playing.

“Law of the Blade” is a ruthless, well-put-together track that gives listeners an insight into who Nocturnal Graves are as a band. The feeling of never-ending darkness can be felt through J.R. ‘s noble vocal performance and instrument playing. While J.R. rages war with his sharp vocals, Prain can be heard singing in deep glee. Also, the guitar and drum playing from J.R., Decaylust and Shrapnel bring the heaviness fans long to hear. Nocturnal Graves know how to create metal music, and on “Law of the Blade,” the band continues to push themselves to become a better band.

The title track, “An Outlaw’s Stand,” ends things in a smashing way. What is noteworthy is how J.R.’s skills as a bass guitarist blare through the speakers with a face-smacking sound. The noises of deep riffs can be heard filling the atmosphere with non-stop insanity, and, in some ways, the bass keeps everything together with how fast J.R.. “An Outlaw’s Stand” has the elements of thrash and death metal, and J.R. shows how he is capable of playing powerful bass guitar notes.

 An Outlaw’s Stand is no doubt a thrilling record that has amazing vocals and instrumentation that are capable of influencing people to create their own world that is filled with darkness and insanity.