Orgasmatron / The Hammer

Both of these bands are ridiculously old school in their original delivery, so it is only fitting that they pay tribute to one of black metal, thrash metal, and truly extreme metal's biggest influences, Motörhead.

This EP is quite short, and for the most part very solid. Total track time runs at under 9 minutes.

The Countess track might be a bit strange for someone who hasn't listened to Countess before. This song was actually my introduction to the band. And on first listen, I thought little of the cover. However, after hearing much more of Countess, I can appreciate the version in all it's stripped down, out of key glory. Countess are such a unique band in that alot of bands would suck if they sounded like this, but they have managed to make a very recognizable atmosphere. The structure of Orgasmatron is unaltered, but the guitars deviate to the simplistic rather than attempting to copy the original. Overall, a bit to happy in the melodies sometimes, but it achieve a uniquie disturbing atmosphere, making it sound pretty good. A good tribute to a great band.

The Megiddo track is even shorter than the Countess track. It really goes straight for the throat in terms of production and delivery. Straight forward fucking 'banger is how I would describe it. I have always been very impressed by Megiddo's sound, though very low fi even for most Black Metal. This band is really really capable of making quality metal, and I am really looking forward to further releases. The Hammer is a great song, and perfect for Megiddo.

This release is probably internet piracy only as far as obtaining it. So if you aren't afraid and love Motörhead and low fi black metal, seek it out.

Finally, after much blood, sweat and tears, Decius Productions managed to get these two stalwarts from the Barbarian Wrath stables to contribute a song each for this little collector's item. Any self-respecting metalhead will know that the song titles "Orgasmatron" and "The Hammer" can only mean one thing - yes, this is a Mötorhead tribute. A bit of old-school fun, and recorded on 45rpm vinyl for good measure.

Countess kicks off with the song covered by so many in the past, including big names like Sepultura and Satyricon. Matching the former's effort would be formidable, though the atrocity that was Satyricon's cover of "Orgasmatron" could be seen as relieving the pressure on Countess. But that's a rant for another day. This song is actually perfectly cut out for Countess, the quirky, ultra-simplistic blackish metal band from Holland. Playing the basic guitar leads and mid-paced rock tempos in a somewhat humorous, somewhat deranged manner, Orlok (the sole member of Countess) pays worthy homage to the British metal godfathers.

Megiddo is a sterner, more serious band, and so "The Hammer" is played in a no-nonsense fashion. With faster drumming and noisier black metal guitar shredding, the song is over in a heartbeat. Wham bam and thankyou ma'am, quick and professional like Krusty the Clown recording sound clips for his latest talking doll. This Canadian band is much in the vein of very early Bathory, and as such is quite unremarkable. This cover falls very much in the good-but-not-great category, leaving Countess clear winners in this little head-to-head.