Tantara bassist quits! Max, we hardly knew ye...

So one of my absolute favorite NWOTM bands has lost its bassist.

Max Ejaxx, bass master for the thrash titans TANTARA has decided to exit the band. Apparently, his heart lies in other types of art other than thumping the rhythm strings. Sez Max on the Tantara Facebook page:


"I want to thank everyone of you for supporting, listening, banging your head and drinking to Tantara. For all the smiles, fists and thrashing heads I've seen on our shows over the past two years.
It has been a great experience for me. Recording the debut album and being a part of it all was amazing. I'll never forget it.

The reason for this message is this.. I have come to the decision to leave the band. It's a tough one for me, but it's for the best. I want to focus on art and other stuff right now. Being a musician is just a hobby for me at the moment.

The guys in Tantara respects my decision and I am still up for playing on the coming shows until they find a new bassist.

Looking forward to seeing the future of the band from another perspective and I promise you... the next album is going to be insane. Herregud."


Usually, losing a band member can be a frightening prospect, especially if the loss alters the band's sound in any way. I mean, if the band sucks donkeys, then maybe a change is for the better. However, Tantara doesn't suck donkeys, or any other animal for that matter. So, considering Tantara has put together some modern classic thrash tunes, here's hoping that the change won't kill the chemistry within the band, thus putting a damper on the songwriting.

As hungry as these guys are, I believe a new bassist (a new LUCKY bassist) will be found and Tantara will be just as strong as ever, cranking out the promised "insane" album we are clamoring for.

So now, the question will be…who will become the new bassist for TAN-f'n-TARA?!

You?

Probably not, but I'm sure it will be someone great. Now scroll down and thrash.

The NWOTM Blog's Top 10 Albums of 2012

I have finally pieced together the New Wave of Thrash Metal Blog's Top Ten Albums of 2012.

Creating lists based on music favorites is always a difficult task for me because the list changes almost daily. Plus, I don't have the funds to get EVERY single thrash release, so really an "official best-of list" would be rather bogus coming from me. So if you don't see on my list what should be an obvious choice for every thrash top-ten, just know that either I haven't bought the album or your idea of a good album is pure silliness.

Also, let it be known that I originally included an "Honorable Mentions" list as well, but it became way, way too freakin' long. I could have easily made a Top 30 list for the year, but I only have so much time and patience (as do you, I'm sure), so I axed the honorables.

Now...let's get started!!

 10. Conflagrator - Inevitable Punishments

These guys cranked out a killer self-released EP with songs chock-full of thick riffs hammered over heavy, mid-paced rhythms.

9. Dr. Living Dead - Radioactive Intervention

Delivering another lesson in energetic crossover thrash, Dr. Living Dead offered up an album every bit as good as their debut.

8. Bio-Cancer - Ear Piercing Thrash

A chaotic mass of head-jolting riffage and venomous vocals weaved together in a rather original sound. Just an undeniably powerful album.

7. Testament - Dark Roots of Earth

As I said in my review for this album, "Testament managed to take everything they have perfected over the course of the band's career and build upon that foundation to give us an album that is savagely hungry, effectively beautiful, and as heavy as a near-flawless metal album should be." Too true.

6. Violentor - Rot

Their second album is another vicious attack of balls-out punk thrash. The riffs are infectious, creating songs that are satisfyingly catchy and brutal all at once.

5. Insinnerator - Hypothermia

Insinnerator's second release takes the unique sound of their debut and adds a confidence and maturity to the songwriting, making it all tighter, meaner, and completely neck-shredding. Utterly fantastic.

4. Overkill - The Electric Age

Veterans showing the young'uns how to CRUSH! When I read interviews with Blitz about his competitive spirit against the young and hungry thrash bands, he shows that while he and D.D. are older and wiser, they are every bit as hungry. The Electric Age is one hell of a kick in the ass.

3. Tantara - Based on Evil

At the time, the wait for this album to drop was excruciating. So much hype surrounded Based on Evil, and when it finally became available, I felt the music surpassed expectations. Based on Evil rages with well-written thrash, propelled by killer old-school riffing and ripping vocals. This will be considered a classic album within the NWOTM.

2. Lich King - Born of the Bomb

Pure thunder from a band clearly on top of their game. It's interesting to wonder if Lich King knew how special and thoroughly kick-ass an album Born of the Bomb was going to be as they were writing it. I love how people were almost surprised at just how damn good BotB is. We live in crazy times when a band like Lich King still remains unsigned to a solid metal label.

1. 4ARM - Submission For Liberty

Modern thrash done perfectly. With Submission For Liberty, 4ARM created a bulldozer of a metal album with hardly an inch of filler. Completely engrossing, Submission For Liberty contains dynamic musical passages of aggression and beauty that soars along on the backs of tight, well-crated riffs and rhythms. Smart, lively, and it freakin' CRUSHES.

Interview: Tantara - Getting "Based on Evil" released

It has been nearly one year since I published my interview with the mighty TANTARA. In that interview, we spoke about the recording process of their upcoming album Based on Evil. The guys also expressed their excitement in working with legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen as well as the possibilities of landing a record contract.

Soon after, Tantara landed that contract with Ultimhate Records, getting the wheels in motion to release Based on Evil this past March. However when the release date came and went, the album remained in limbo, surprising both the band and its fans who all sat empty-handed and, well…angry!

Sure, release dates change all the time, but it seemed that no one had any answers, and after a nasty falling out, Tantara parted ways with Ultimhate.

The band eventually signed on with Indie Recordings. The label will release a 7-inch single of the album's title track on June 29th, following with the album release on August 24th.

As with my first interview with Tantara, the members (Fredrik, Per, Stian, and Max) prefer to answer questions as a band, enveloping the thoughts and concerns for Tantara as a whole. So when I ask a question, Tantara answers.

In this interview, Tantara discusses their fallout with Ultimhate, their hook-up with Indie, and their preparations in finally getting Based on Evil out to the public.




The Ultimhate label was originally going to release the album this past March. You guys seemed just as surprised as the fans that the album was not out. Is that assessment correct?

Yes. The label fucked up really bad. Not just with us, but with a lot of other bands too. Ultimhate Records is a shitty label, and a huge disgrace to the record and music industry. They don't keep their promises when it comes to promo, and they even lie about their distributors. Getting an answer via email only once or  twice a month doesn't cut it either. If you look at their silly website, they haven't even taken down our album as a feature there (it was still featured there as of this writing - ed.). They even spelled the title wrong (Made of Evil). So to all the unsigned bands out there: NEVER sign a deal with UH, because they and their boss Olivier is just full of shit. Luckily we got out of the shit.



You have had a few choice words to say about Ultimhate. Fans can only assume what is behind those statements. Are you able to speak about what went down between Tantara and Ultimhate? Why would they drop the ball on such a killer thrash album?

As mentioned, they didn't keep their promises and what was stated in the contract. It's not that they didn't want our album, the problem was that they didn't seem to know how to release an album or even how to run a label. We were furious when we couldn't find ANY info or promo about our album at the release day.



Now Indie Recordings is going to release Based on Evil. What finally led you to Indie Recordings? What makes them the best home for Tantara?

Indie Recordings is a terrific label. They actually got in touch with us in January when we already had signed with UH, so we had to say no, but luckily they wanted to sign us when we got back in touch with them late March due to UH's total fuck up.

We have plenty of meetings, both at their office and at our gigs, and they are really supportive and constructive. The fact that they even wanted to release a 7" vinyl single says how professional and cool they are. We are looking forward to stay with IR for many years and it's gonna be a great run!



You just recently began streaming the title track to your upcoming album Based on Evil. How have the fans reacted so far?

The fans seem to like it. It's definitely not a "radio friendly" mainstream song, but we thought it was appropriate to release it as a single due to it's brutality.




You're label is releasing Based on Evil as a 7-inch single with the song Court Injustice on June 29th. Why did you or your label decide to do this? What other preparations need to be completed before the full-length is released?


Preparations? Promo for sure. You can't just put an album out on the market, as it is a huge process in front. So that's why they wanted us to release a single, both for the fans, and of course for promotional reasons.

Fans seem really impatient about the release of Based on Evil. That has to feel good that your album holds such strong anticipation.

Yeah, it definitely feels good to have such an anticipated album just waiting to be released. We won't disappoint them! The album is out August 24th!




Do you have any idea if the physical CD copy will be made available worldwide?

It will be available in stores all over Europe, but our North and South American friends will need to buy it from online stores for now, if they want the physical copy. And of course, the album will be on iTunes as well




Now that you are under a new label, have there been new talks about touring support for Based on Evil?

Yes, we have a Scandinavian tour coming up in October, and maybe a bigger European tour coming up later this year, but nothing is settled yet.




Thank you for your answers! Any final words?

You're welcome. BUY THE ALBUM and come to our shows god dammit!

New Tantara single!

Finally! Here is the title track off the upcoming TANTARA album Based on Evil. This song is included on the 7-inch single out on June 29th from Indie Recordings!

So when is the full-length going to be available? Dunno yet. I know a lot of you have been salivating over this album's release, and believe me - it will be worth the wait!

TANTARA!!!!

THRASHLINE: Bits of thrash news with Tantara, Powered By Death, Elm Street, and MORE!

Word has finally got out that our favorite Norwegian thrashers TANTARA have inked a deal with Indie Recordings, the label who picked up the pieces after the band's falling out with their previous label Ultimhate.

As a taste, Tantara will release a 7-inch vinyl single featuring the songs Based on Evil and Court Injustice.

Unfortunately, there isn't a release date for the full length album Based on Evil, but be assured that it will come out sometime later this year. If it doesn't, I say we should call a mass listening party over at the 'Tara practice place (and if this happens, someone please pick up my round trip ticket from Kansas City. Also, let's hope the Tantara fellas have some food).

In other Tantara news, the band started up their own online forum! Go join the Tantara Community and talk some THRASH!

Meanwhile, jam to an earlier version of Court Injustice!






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According to LEGIONARY drumming main man Frank D'Erasmo, he began a side project called Path of Tyranny and so far had four songs written. Well, it seems that the project is no more and D'Erasmo will instead release the new demo tunes under the Legionary name. The demo will be called (of course) Path of Tyranny. D'Erasmo said they will likely be included on the second Legionary full-length album.

That mean Legionary is four songs into the next album ALREADY? Bring it on!

As a fun side-note, Legionary have a few 8-Bit versions of their songs out and about. Take a listen and yearn for some old-school Nintendo play.





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Nevada's AVENGER OF BLOOD are kicking ass in the studio as we speak! They are in the process of knocking out a three song EP titled Spawn of Evil, and have plans to shoot a video for one of the tunes.

They are talking about booking shows with their revamped line-up toward the end of August, but, as they say, "Nothing is set in stone yet."



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ZOMBIE FIGHTER have released yet another song off their upcoming album Run For Your Life titled Unleash the Wolves. Give it a listen. Or don't. I'm not your dad. (Actually, I am…listen to it!)





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In another excellent move by the thrash powerhouse label EBM RECORDS, they added Quebec's own POWERED BY DEATH to the Thrash Is Back series of albums.

If you haven't heard of these Canadian metal men, go check out the Global Thrash Assault Blog for a sweet little review about Powered By Death.

A little bonus here: They have four songs available as a FREE download. Listen below, and then snag the tunes!

Oh, and by the way -- if you are the one or two metal fans who have not yet heard of EBM Records, by all means go check them out and their ENTIRE freakin' ROSTER of thrash bands! They are like a treasure chest for thrash fans.





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Australian thrashers ELM STREET are in the process of shredding Europe as you read this, and the fun will continue in July when they team up with NWOTM legends Warbringer and Gama Bomb! AHHHHH, bad-ASS!! The tour dates are:

17.07.2012 - London, UK - Barfly
18.07.2012 - York, UK - Duchess
19.07.2012 - Edinburgh, UK - Bannermans
20.07.2012 - Cork, UK - An Cruiscin Lan
21.07.2012 - Belfast, IRL - Limelight (w/ Gama Bomb)
22.07.2012 - Dublin, IRL - The Pint (w/Gama Bomb)
23.07.2012 - Newport, UK - Meze Lounge

Go if you can. I'll be here in the US on my pitty-pot...watching the following Elm Street stream.






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Virginia's POSSESSOR will release their debut album City Built With Skulls on May 23rd through Slaney Records. I know I posted their album cover before, but it is so bad-ass, that I am going to do it again.

Total freakin' METAL! \m/

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Speaking of cool album covers, I pimped the new one from TESTAMENT on the Facebook page a couple days ago. Man, this cover art makes me want to hear the new album so BAD. ARGH! Testament, pleeeeease release a new song to keep us satisfied until Dark Roots of Earth finally hits the stores on July 27th (such a LONG wait)!

Review: Tantara - Based on Evil

TANTARA
Based on Evil
Indie Recordings



Tantara's self-released EP Human Mutation set the stage for a promising young metal band who know the art of well-crafted thrash metal tunes. The EP garnered Tantara an underground swell of well-deserved support from all over the world. After all, Human Mutation was a damn good EP, causing many fans to wonder where the immediate future would take the band.

When word got out that legendary music producer Flemming Rasmussen was tapped to handle their debut album Based on Evil, the fan base gave an overwhelming positive response. However, to have such a famous name tied to the band's debut album comes with expectations on their delivery: They either bring it or they bite off more than they can chew.

Well, if Human Mutation was a welcome kick in the ass, then Based on Evil is a full-on neck breaking body slam. Any worries that Tantara might drop the ball on their highly anticipated debut will cast aside all doubt after the opening title track begins with a short slow grind before driving into a full thrashing assault.

It's mind boggling how good this album is, because beyond the killer galloping riffs, the ripping vocals, and attention-grabbing dynamics, there is a distinct hunger emanating from the band that sharpens each track to a dangerous and gut-passionate edge. It's not something you can fake, and with all the excitement, sweat, blood, and devotion Tantara has for thrash metal, Based on Evil is as real as it gets.

There are many highlights, including the mid-paced, pissed-off bad-assery of Mass Murder, and Prejudice of Violence which includes a chorus of gang vocals that brings to mind its usage on Vio-Lence's Eternal Nightmare album. In fact, the gang vocals peppered throughout all of Based on Evil are horns-up metal as hell!

As a natural balance to the blistering madness, Tantara ties in acoustical parts that flow in and out of select songs, adding a haunting tranquility that rings of caution instead of happiness. The beginning of Killing of Mother Earth is an alluring homage to early Testament, complete with Skolnick-esque soloing that blends seamlessly with the underlying music. Along these same lines, the symphonic ending to Prejudice of Violence is absolutely stunning.

There are a lot of bands that put out good, solid albums, but there are fewer that are able to bare their fangs while putting forth music that sounds so well-crafted and purposeful. Based on Evil is an important album for the new wave of thrash, as it demonstrates that the genre is far from dead in the water.

Check out the album single Trapped in Bodies below and then follow them on Facebook here.

Tantara releases preview of Based on Evil!

In case you have been under a rock for the past few hours, TANTARA has released a preview of their upcoming album Based on Evil. We are treated to roughly 30 seconds of each track, teasing us with what should turn out to be a phenomenal thrash metal album.

From what I can tell, the production is stellar. I just can't WAIT to get my hands on the full album. ARGGH!!!

Thrashline: Havok, Municipal Waste, T.C.F., In Defence, and MORE!

On May 22nd, HAVOK returns! Everyone's favorite Colorado thrashers will unleash a beastly EP titled The Point of No Return. Those who come into possession of this slab of metal will be treated to some cover songs (Sepultura and Slayer) as well as two brand new Havok tracks that are destined to shred your freaking face. Ouch!
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Straight from the Netherlands, we have the new album by T.C.F.! The album titled Where Madness Reigns is brimming with blistering, old-school hardcore thrash. Taking cues from punk and crossover kings such as The Exploited, DRI, and SOD, among others, T.C.F. succeeds in cranking out killer boot-to-the-ass mosh anthems. If you're into punk-driven thrash metal, then Where Madness Reigns is freakin' solid!



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Just in time for the upcoming tour with GWAR and GHOUL, thrash heavyweights Municipal Waste have released a new track titled Religion Proof - and it's streaming for FREE! Not only THAT, but you can download the title track of the Waste's upcoming album The Fatal Feast here. Also FREE (with the relinquishing of your email address). Nice!



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As you know (I hope), TANTARA released a killer cover of the Metallica classic Disposable Heroes. Well, these guys have packaged the tune as a gift for everyone to download for free! Thanks, Tantara People!



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I have been following Ireland's thrash maniacs ANIMATOR for a while now, but I have failed to share them with you via my kick-ass blog. Well, the wait is over! Animator seems to enjoy devastating the listener's ears with a one-two punch of classic thrash metal mixed with bits of crossover. These guys line up some killer riffs, nice solos, and dynamics that push their brand of searing metal songs over the top. Professional, tight and completely bad-ass. Check 'em out!


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I just found out about Germany's DELIRIUM TREMENS. From what I have heard, they have incorporated a more rock 'n' roll style to their metal, but the song The Iron Gang Is Running Wild is pure ass-kicking THRASH metal! Not kidding. Give the song a listen - you won't be sorry!



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Hey, here's another healthy dose of crossover for all you hungry thrashers. Portland, Oregon has spawned a punk-fueled metal beast called Roadkill Carnivore (RKC). Drawing from influences such as Crumbsuckers, The Accused, and Cryptic Slaughter, these Portland pile-drivers slam down some aggressive tunes that should easily satisfy fans of the cross genres. RKC is frenzied and fun, so grab your skateboard and let's go crack some skulls!






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Let's head back to Germany to take a quick listen to the death metal styling of DISMINDED. The recordings are raw as hell, but I got a kick out of their old-school treatment of the death genre. At least that was my first impression when I jammed out to their tune Suffocate the Pain. Then I listened to another one of their available songs titled Acid, and noticed a 45 degree turn in their songwriting - almost sounding like a completely different band. Acid's main riff and drum beat gives it a…dance?…quality to it. It's not bad, but I'm curious as to what caused the shift in musical direction. Check them out, compare, and you'll see what I mean.






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The new issue of COFFINFEEDER FANZINE is now available! It features interviews with Warbringer, Havok, Lich King, and others! Also, band features and reviews, in full color! Check out the Coffinfeeder Fanzine site to order a copy!








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Have you seen the latest video by IN DEFENCE? Watch below, love it, and then hit them up here!


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Tantara covers Metallica

Tantara just posted their cover of the Metallica classic Disposable Heroes. This is excellent work for something they seemingly did just for fun (or good promo for their upcoming debut album).

The musicianship is tight, but it would have to be to get Metallica's ridiculously insane e-string gallops perfect. The coolest parts of the cover are the solos - they sound so full and rich. All in all, I dig this.

Hopefully this is just a taste of extra bits we can expect from the mighty Tantara, even after they come out full force with the release of Based On Evil!

Check out the cover below.

Tantara's debut to be released by Ultimhate Records!

In case you didn't know, TANTARA have a deal with Ultimhate Records to release the thrash band's highly anticipated debut album (title unknown as of this writing).

Ultimhate, home to another thrash band favorite ESSENCE, will release the album on March 23rd. As of this writing, I don't know if it will be released worldwide or not. I hope it is because I know many thrash fans who can't wait to get their sweaty little hands on this album - me included.

For me, this album closes the gap on a series of awesome days. March 22nd is my birthday. March 24th and 25th is the Kansas City Planet Comicon. March 26th is my wife's birthday. All that was missing was something cool to happen on March 23rd. Thanks, Tantara!

I really dig the new album single Trapped in Bodies, and I am ready for more!

TANTARA!!!

New Tantara song!

Oh, yeah! Thashmasters TANTARA have released the song Trapped in Bodies, which will be included on their upcoming full-length album.

The track sounds amazing, full of sharp riffs, epic solos, and straight-ahead head banging thrash.

So mark this as the beginning of a huge metal onslaught Tantara will unleash soon after the new year. If the rest of the new album is as good as Trapped in Bodies, Tantara will have a jump start on the best thrash album of 2012.

Check out the song below!

Interview with Tantara

Things are moving fast for Norway's newest thrash band Tantara. Since forming in 2009, they have self-released the critically accliamed Human Mutation EP in 2010, and are already in the recording stages of their new album.

Tantara's first full-length is bound to get metal fans talking since they landed the legendary Flemming Rasmussen to record and produce the album.

As busy as Tantara is at the moment, the guys graciously answered a few questions I emailed them regarding Human Mutation, recording the new album, and possible touring plans.

NOTE: When Tantara sent me back the answers to my questions, some were answered by the individual band members while most were labeled as answered by Tantara "in unity."

Tanara is: Fredrik Bjerkø - Rhythm Guitar and Vocals, Per Semb - Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals, Stian Sannerud - Drums, Max Warnby - Bass

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NWOTM Blog: Human Mutation is a fantastic thrash metal release. How has the fan response been since its release last year?

Per: We've got a lot of positive feedback, can't really think about any negative things being said actually! I was surprised of the positive feedback we got (mostly production-wise) when we first released the EP on CDBaby and later put the songs on YouTube. Since I mixed the whole album, I expected to get at least some complaints about the production.

We also got the EP reviewed on a pretty well-known Norwegian heavy metal homepage, and the fact that the reviewer gave us a bigger score than Exodus' latest release (Exhibit B) was very cool!

Another thing that's also been really, really cool is that some fans actually have covered our songs and put in on YouTube!

NWOTM Blog: As you get ready to record your new album with a batch of new songs, how do you think you have grown as songwriters?

Tantara: Since we started to make new songs after the EP was done, we've been more progressive so to speak. We try to stay away from the typical/cliché song structures (like intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-verse-chorus-end). We're also thinking more about musical climaxes in the song, taking care that the climax is not in the start so the song is going downhill from that. At least if there's a climax it's at the start, we make a bigger one later in the song!

NWOTM Blog: As you listen back to your music, what makes them uniquely Tantara songs?

Fredrik: Though question! The first thing that strikes me is that our songs never get "boring" in some sort of way. At least we feel that way, that there are no "dead spots" that can be found in a lot of other songs (not all, of course). That's a number one priority when we make songs - make things we like ourselves, and boring songs were you feel that "time stops" is something that we don't like. "Prejudice of Violence" is an good example - it lasts in 9 minutes and 30 seconds, and when it's done, you feel like its only been on for 4-5 minutes tops. Our album will probably be one of the longest thrash albums our there, roughly 60 minutes divided into 8 songs - and trust me, you won't get bored at any time, unless you're not into thrash - which in that case would've been understandable (haha).

NWOTM Blog: What is your recording schedule for the new album?

Tantara: First it was the pre-production a month before the recordig took place, and then we hit the studio last week! We've been tracking drums, which are soon to be done, as well as the guitars which we do right after the drum track is done. Later on we will put on bass, vocals and leads. The last days we'll mix it and do the mastering - and voila, it's done! 25 days in total (included days off in the weekends).

NWOTM Blog: Legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen is working with you on the new record. How did Tantara hook up with him?

Tantara: Well, legendary as he is, it wasn't hard to hook up with him! Fredrik just sent him a well written e-mail with a link to our myspace and asked if he was interested in recording and producing our album - and he was! He liked our songs, and I think that was a big part of his decision to go through with this. Even though a little money is in the picture, who wants to spend a whole month recording music they don't like at all? He also told us the other day that he rarely does metal records anymore, so we take that as a huge compliment that he wanted to do it with us! (Even though he later said; "But I made an exception for you guys" - with an sarcastic undertone.) Haha!

NWOTM Blog: I imagine that working with Rasmussen would be a dream for many thrash bands. What are your feelings about working with him?

Stian: We think that it is totally awesome to work with Flemming, especially for me, as I've been a huge fan of Metallica's 80's sound since the first I heard it. You know you'll get a quality when you're working with Flemming, at least sound and production-wise.

On the other hand he is a really down to earth guy, and a REALLY cool guy! He's like, 54 years old!? When we're hanging out with him, he's like a guy on our same age, loofing around and having a good time! The energy between us is so good, we've never expected it to be that way, it's just so awesome! There's always a joke around the corner, some laughing, or some shit-talking about other things we don't like, haha! At this point, we could've never thought of a better man to record an album with! It's just amazing.

NWOTM Blog: What expectations do you have for the new record?

Tantara: First of all, we hope that we get signed with a record label, so we don't need to have another self-release. The good thing to release things yourself is that you get the money for yourself, but if you want make physical copies and send it to your fans, it will cost a little after a while. If we get a record label behind us, we'll have get more publicity, and the chance for a tour outside of Norway is bigger.

NWOTM Blog: Are there touring plans in the immediate future? What places would you like to tour?

Tantara: We're in the planning stage of having a tour later this year, so we hope that'll work out! We need to promote our album well and hook up some new fans. It would've been awesome to actually play a gig were people actually KNOW our music! Most of the gigs we've played before have been in rock/metal-bars where no one has ever heard of us, which actually is good because it motivates us to kick their ass and make 'em like us - which almost everytime has turns out well! The last gig we played, lots of people bought our Human Mutation EP right away, and even wanted us to sign them! That's a pretty awesome feeling, it's makes you feel like you've made a big impression! But yeah, we're going to tour our asses off when we get the opportunity to do it, and we would love to travel around in at least Europe to do that! Touring the USA would've also been a huge dream!

NWOTM Blog: Any last words?

Tantara: Thanks to fans that support us and spreading the word about us! If it wasn't for you, we probably wouldn't grow this fast as a band as we have! Starting in the second half of 2009, performing for our first time in 2010, recording a EP at a local studio for 3 days the same year, and one year later record an album with mighty Flemming Rasmussen is just great! Thank you all, and hopefully we'll see you on tour not too far in the future!

Tantara ROCKS!

Here is a band that is going to be a major force in the NWOTM. Bold statement? Yes, and admittedly part of that stems from my own personal bias as a fan of Tantara. However, this old-school flavored thrash band from Norway seriously has a knack for writing killer songs that could put a little fire in the belly of your average metal fan.

When I listen to their Human Mutation EP, as well as their available demo songs on Tantara's Facebook page, I am amazed that they were written by a group of 17 and 18 year-olds. Yes, I know most NWOTM bands have members of similar age, but it's the feeling and dynamics of their songs that shows how much Tantara understands what the hell they're doing when constructing some mosh-worthy tunes.

Their influences consist of the who's-who of old-school thrash and power metal, such as Testament, Vio-lence and Judas Priest. Tantara manages to capture a bit of the magic of what made those original bands rock so hard and inject it into their songwriting.

Killer riffs and well-orchestrated solos abound, I can't help but to keep their tunes in my regular listening rotation of new metal bands.

Oh, yeah. Another item I must mention to back up my previously made bold statement: Legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen is working with Tantara on their debut album which they will begin recording soon. I can't wait to hear it.

Listen to Negligible Souls and then go to their Facebook page to hear the rest. Official site here.