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AVALON
Astral Claw EP

High Roller (2026)
Rating: 5/10

Obviously these German rockers didn’t check to see if any other bands, past or present, had the same moniker. I found at least ten other bands called Avalon, but this clan has certainly done its best to suggest they’ve been around a lot longer than 2019. The whole look of this EP suggests early 80s New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, but no, Avalon are in fact a raw thrash act that wouldn’t have been out of place on some 80s Brazilian speed metal compilation.

As soon as the opening title track hits there’s a rawness and sense of obscurity, especially as vocalist Deanosaurio Del Rock (real name probably Dean!) wildly lashes his tongue in blasphemous ways. Fans of classic Venom and Slayer, old Sodom, old Sepultura and anything in-between will appreciate such raucous designs. Bass, drums and guitar are always on full throttle; spitting dust n’ rust the EP rattles by like a brief downpour of acid.

‘Dante, The Loss’ continues in similar fashion; all spit and no subtlety. The vocals are delivered as short chops and gasps, a marked improvement on the bands earlier demo recordings. Even so, the whole primitive clatter – summed up by the frantic and short ‘Cerberus’ – is a novelty which wears thin after just a few spins. ‘Eternal Darkness’ hisses and fits after a promising slower start and ‘Pandora’s Doom’ is almost comical as the vocals reach a hysterical fever pitch.

There’s little to no variety here, but I doubt the band will care. After all, it seems clear that Avalon have set out their stall to provide unhindered bestial metal. They’ve certainly achieved that, but with the lifespan of a Mayfly.

Neil Arnold

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