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SCALARE
Under Hells Dominion

Rotten Leather (2022)
Rating: 5/10

The album cover art is childishly appealing to my nostalgic eyes and it heralds the return of this German heavy metal group Scalare.

Under Hells Dominion is the second full-length release from the trio which consists of Mutilator (vocals and bass), Winged Death (guitar) and Black Abyss (drums), all of whom featured previously for Witchslaughter who released one demo – Priests Of Profanation – back in 1999.

While the members of Scalare may not have told their parents about their unholy name changes, musically they sort of match their monikers as a nostalgic glinting lump of steel that reflects back images and vibrations of bands like Running Wild – an act that’s hard to exclude once you begin to compare.

This is galloping metal that flashes with a New Wave Of British Heavy Metal stuffiness while nodding towards speedier ramparts of Teutonic cold power-cum-thrash with occasional glimpses of Venom. Admittedly, some of the vocals are totally tuneless, although I’m not sure if this is on purpose. But as ‘In The Mists Of Misery’ comes rattling away with its melodious leads, some of those high rasps leave a lot to be desired. However, it remains energetic metal that probably wouldn’t seem out of place on one of those old Noise records compilations where bands such as Helloween, Rage and Scanner competed for attention.

Those not familiar with Scalare may actually be surprised (maybe disappointed?) by the rather jovial, hearty metal on offer, but these guys are no stranger to off-the-wall garish album art and trundling, anthemic metal pomp. Unfortunately, there is that almost drunken crooning to the vocal style, again evidenced on the rather unsteady ‘Where They All Meet Death’ and ‘Fucking Wild’ which features a killer riff in pure leather n’ roll fashion.

When the trio doesn’t resort to almost comedic brawling (i.e. as soon as the vocals kick in) there’s some decent musical construction to savour. ‘Possessed By Total Death’ builds upon a nifty percussive assault and burns with its axe work, and the band’s rendition of Nifelheim’s ‘Bestial Avenger’ drools with rusty vim. However, as with a whole host of bands competing in leagues jam-packed with similarly derisive noodling I’m not sure Scalare, for all their charm and boozy warbling, can compete with the serious metal mongers and young upstarts craving attention with far more clinical and brooding energy.

Scalare is certainly a strange brew, but having already grown tired of Running Wild’s and Grave Digger’s Euro galloping, I don’t think Under Hells Dominion is going to form a love affair with me.

Neil Arnold

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