HUMUNGUS – Warband Review

HUMUNGUS – Warband

Killer Metal Records

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HUMUNGUS come from Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A. The band was formed in 2010 and in 2011 they released their first 5 track EP entitled “Drinkin' a Beer” and after that in 2012 their 2 track EP under the title “Shark Castle”. Their debut full length release which has the title “Warband” was released for the first time in 2015 as an independent release and lately it was released again by the German metal label Killer Metal Records, which in my opinion is a label with a good taste in the traditional metal sound.

“Warband” consists of 9 compositions which in some sites was poorly described as thrash metal. Of course there are thrash metal elements present here, but the band’s sound is more than that. The main characteristic of these compositions is that they have a strong 80’s metal vibe. They really sound like songs coming from an 80’s metal release without this meaning they replicas of the old glory days. Actually they are full of fresh ideas and although their influences are apparent, they are given through their own perspective.

In my opinion the band plays music that is a mixture of thrash, speed and traditional heavy. Especially their classic metal moments have a strong N.W.O.B.H.M. element which really gives the album a cult status. As I mentioned above HUMUNGUS have their personal way of delivering their metal, but nobody can deny that their influences are obvious in their compositions. Personally speaking I can say that the band draws influences from early EXCITER, METALLICA and ANTHRAX. Also when they move on the traditional metal paths they have strong references to bands like JUDAS PRIEST, RAVEN and ACCEPT.  

The production of the album could have been better. I know that the rough and raw sound production fits their sound because it gives this dirty feeling that many 80’s speed metal bands had and makes them sound more aggressive, still it could have been more compact in my opinion. The impressive thing, though, is that you can listen to all the instruments, even the bass.

I think that HUMUNGUS are very convincing at what they do. They prove they play the music they love and they have good ideas. Also they might sound rough and raw, but there is also place for melodies in their music and on their lead and solo parts they show they are highly skilled musicians and there is a strong bond between them.

So, if you like the 80’s metal speed/heavy metal sound, then HUMUNGUS is a band that surely deserves your attention.

Finally, before I close this presentation, I would like to tell you that the order of the songs is written in the booklet and the back cover of the album is wrong. The right one is: 5. Heavy Metal Parking Lot and 7.Psyclopse instead of the printed one that is: 5. Psyclopse and 7. Heavy Metal Parking Lot.

Nick “Verkaim” Parastatidis