Heathen Peaces second album, Total Fucking War, is a solid record that is a fast, aggressive mix of black metal and Oi! punk that actually works. If you like the speed of bands like Marduk or Darkthrone but also enjoy the raw, shouty energy of street punk, this record hits that spot.
The title track starts things off exactly how you would expect with fast riffs, d-beat drumming, and vocals that bridge the gap between a black metal scream and a punk shout. The lyrics focus on ancient tribes like the Teutons and Goths, making the whole thing feel like a battle chant.
The record succeeds because it blends these two genres naturally. You get the fast, tremolo-picked parts typical of black metal, but also has plenty of punk edge. Songs like Rise of the Suebian Warlords and Heath Dweller, which features Henke Forss from Dawn, have melodic guitar leads that stand out without slowing down the pace.
Other tracks like Apollyon and Spells of Ishtar keep the intensity high, while The Ides of March shows a bit more technical skill in the guitar work. The album ends with Heathen Peace 476, an instrumental that feels more cinematic and gives the record a proper finish.
With only eight tracks, the music never feels like it is dragging. The production is cold with black metal intensity but clear enough to hear everything clearly. It feels more confident and polished than their first record, Civilisation Ends Here. For anyone into the rawness of early Darkthrone or the fury of Discharge, this is worth a listen. It is a simple, aggressive choice for those who want black metal with a heavy punk edge.
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