Robin 'Frog'
Stone - Drums
Treelo Herrington - Guitars/Vocals
Kendall Drury - Bass
BIO
Initially
coming together in 2005 as a four-piece outfit, NORSE has gradually found itself
diluting into an extreme metal duo; the current 2011 line-up comprising of guitarist and
vocalist Treelo Herrington, and drummer Robin 'Frog' Stone [The Amenta].
2006
saw NORSE release their debut EP, entitled 'The Unrelenting', which saw the
band begin to increase their touring cycle, and ultimately build their following. During
this time, NORSE found itself experimenting with new sound, which has now been
solidified in the extreme metal genre, comprising of technical, death, and black metal
elements.
August
2008 marked the primary steps in the creation of the band's debut, full-length album, and
after fifteen months in studio hibernation - mixed with live performance - NORSE released
'Hellstorm' in February 2010. Recorded and mixed with Erik Miehs [The
Amenta], 'Hellstorm' was mastered by Reece Tunbridge at Benchmark
Mastering, with the band themselves, and has been described as an "album that
bluntly underlines the talent of the quartet" - Voltage Media.
Following
their debut release, NORSE engaged in a number of stab shows , which included
support slots with Darkest Hour and Carnifex in early 2011.
Once again in the studio for
the recording of their sophomore and as-yet-untitled album, NORSE has taken this
time away from the live scene to concentrate in production and work on the forthcoming
record with engineer Harvey O'Sullivan.
VOLTAGE
MEDIA ALBUM REVIEW
As one enters 'Hellstorm' they are immediately plunged into the depths of aggression,
juxtaposed with overt melodic ideals as well as a harsh and raw soundscape; that is not
only unrelenting, but above all possesses powerful motifs with undertones of melodious
composition that is delicate and yet inexorable and clear.
After eighteen months of recording, NORSE has truly succeeded in interlocking their
melodic death quality with a blackened atmosphere, by creating their first full length
album in which each of the eleven tracks is as distinct from each other as it is
unambiguously their own, unique sound.
The first four tracks of 'Hellstorm' can be described as a maniacal and unrelenting trip
which only rests with the inclusion of the fifth, untitled track composed by Tim Walker.
The vocal duality of NORSE gives three distinct layers, which not only show their
powerful, beastly output, but also the immense talent of Simon Stavrevski’s clean
vocal delivery, as evidently heard on 'The Light Of Norse'. Treelo Herrington’s
vocals at times have a resemblance to evil in the auditory form, and create an immense
correlation with the belligerence of the guitars and drums heard on 'Spewing Forth
Arachnoids', which is arguably the heaviest track on the album; underlined by the
aforementioned sternness of their guitar and drum work, uniting perfectly with the lyrical
content.
'Hellstorm' is an album created to be listened to at the highest volumes, and with a mix
that assures each motif will be heard and understood distinctively, it allows the audience
to pick up on the smallest intricacies within NORSE’s music.
Tracks such as 'Glory in Death' and 'Flesh Abyss' highlight the talent of the quartet;
dexterous solos coupled with Robin 'Frog' Stone’s blasting drum work, before the
latter concludes with a striking soundscape progressing into what can be described as a
death march atmosphere of the abovementioned fifth track. This interlude is a fantastic
addition to 'Hellstorm', allowing the album to progress naturally, leading into the
melodious motifs of the opening of 'Father of the Norns', a piece that reminds one of an
almost folk metal quality in some instances of its music. 'Father of The Norns' emphasizes
the broad spectrum of NORSE, both vocally and musically.
'To Find Orion' once again underlines the dexterity and dynamics of the band, presenting
polyrhythmic qualities which ultimately coincide to create a fantastic melodious concept
which continues its development to once more define the musical equivalent of aggression.
Listening to an album that holds an abundance of intricate and technical detail, brings
forth the question as to whether NORSE is able to translate their music in the live arena;
and having witnessed their performances on numerous occasions, it is definitely without
question that the quartet are as brutally talented live as they are on this album.
With lyrics that delve on the non fictional experiences, and thoughts of the quartet,
their metaphorical use shows their talent both behind the instruments as it does in their
ability with language.
The brilliant layering of the vocal lines within the beginning of 'Frozen Deserts
of Time' gives an ominous and yet fantastic ambiance with the undertones of an awesome
musical progression, that eventually turns to what can described as a commanding cry. Its
build up is perfectly contrasted to the final track – ‘War and Her Bastard
Sons’ - which opens with soft acoustic work before plunging into the speedy and
strong rigor presented by NORSE.
After a long wait, NORSE has truly delivered an album that will please an array of metal
fans from an abundance of preferred genres. ‘Hellstorm’ underlines ruthlessly
the talent of this band, and beckons attention; bringing forth an abundance of powerful
designs and brutal belligerence.
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