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Caliban are a five-piece outfit (Andy Dörner – Vocals, Marc Görtz – Guitar, Denis Schmidt – Guitar, Marco Schaller – Bass and Patrick Grün – Drums). The band formed back in 1997 and hail from Essen in Germany. Within the time of Caliban being a working unit they have accomplished a lot over the years – With two EP’s, two Split albums and now nine studio albums after the completion of their upcoming release “Gravity”. Caliban have played major festivals all over the globe, such as; Greenfield Festival, Nova Rock Festival, Flame Festival and Full Force Festival.
The first track on the new release is, “Paralyzed”. As always, Caliban are keeping it melodic and heavy. In the first few seconds we have a fade in introduction then the bull band kick in with this almighty brutal riff, but then the melodic catchy chorus kicks in with some group vocals. This track is obviously influenced by rawness and anger, with lyrics like “drop dead, you make me sick” are obvious indicators. Already, this track is a favourite of mine!
Next up, second in line, we have “Mein schwarzes Herz”. In Caliban’s nature they always like to keep a track especially dedicated to their own native language. Spinning this track I instantly though, ‘I can’t understand this. I don’t speak German.’ but did it put a dampener on listening to it? Nope. It’s crushingly heavy! All tied in with gnarly riffs, depthy bass riffs, drum fills, dope double kick’s and with a twist of added vocals.
“Who Am I” is the third track. The start of this track threw me off slightly with the opening vocals, as it reminded me of Asking Alexandria. Nonetheless, it quickly reverted back to sounding like Caliban’s traditional sound. This track is a mixture of different tempo’s and heaviness, coexisting catchy melodies and choruses. It’s a very varied track in sound. Track four, “Left For Dead”. Heavy and angry is what I will describe this track as. “You left me for dead, with a knife in my back”.This track is filled with brutally built breakdowns, crushing riffs and roaring vocals. After listening to this one I really felt like I had to go hit things…
Number five, “Crystal Skies” and what really stood out to me about this track was the guitars layering. So many different sounds all crammed into tight time slots. But it was very catchy and they worked very well; I loved the little twangs and screeches. I appreciated the chilled-out, mellow pause before the dying seconds. Real nice effect! Then into, “Walk Alone”. I really liked this track! It starts off so heavy but it soon kicks into one of the catchiest choruses you’ll have ever heard. It would be awesome to sing back at them. It’s a mixture of heavy and catchy with some righteous beatdowns and cheeky guitar solos thrown in there for added pleasure! Lovely. Next, “The Oceans Heart”and its a build up from the guitars then it explodes with a popping drum-fills, followed by the whole band playing simultaneously to a crescendo.
“brOKen” comes in at ninth place. Without a doubt this track has to be my number one from “Gravity”. A different pace and feel from the rest of the album, it kicks in with an instrumental start and then proceeds to move on with group vocals. It then dies down after that with a beautiful melodic guitar riff then it all rises to the chorus, so catchy and effective. This track is probably one of the more ‘simple’ written tracks, but it really does carry a lot. Absolutely filled with emotion. Track ten, “For We Are Forever”. Increasing the pace and heaviness from the track before, we hear thumping bass tones with guitars then following with screaming vocals. Cutting into the chorus with group vocals and intense drum fills and kicks… All very catchy! Eleven, “Inferno”. I would say this is the records darker sounding tracks, all tied in with melodic guitar riffs. Although it does have catchy clean choruses the verses are much the opposite.
Coming towards the end, we have track twelve – “No Dream Without Sacrifice”. I loved the beginning of this one, the guitar tones and layers were done really, really well – I especially liked the little snippet of an acoustic guitar being used. After the melodic introduction we have dark raspy vocals then it very quickly becomes insanely heavy.It took a totally different direction that was it seemed to be going in. I love how Caliban kept the sound of the intro and somehow managed to incorporate it into the chorus. To finalise this record, we have at number thirteen “Hurricane”. Finishing off, heavy and catchy, there’s not a lot else to say other than that. Drum fills pounding, gnarly vocals and thrashy sounding guitars. Towards the end of this track it reminded me of how Textures write with different time signatures and sounds. In the dying seconds Caliban introduce a heavy breakdown, a brutal way to kill it off.
My thoughts overall on “Gravity” are very good. I really enjoyed this record and I’m glad they have kept their signature sound but have progressed it, matured it even. It’s very fresh, up-to date and I’m loving it. I highly recommend anyone who hasn’t heard of these guys before to go have a listen and for all Caliban fans across the world, I can assure you – YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! Caliban have already announced that they will be appearing at Impericon Festival, Hellfest, Feel The Noise Festival and Vainstrea Rockfest Festival and Full Metal Cruise this year. Without a doubt they will more than likely reveal tours for their release of “Gravity” this year. So wherever you are located, you’re not short on having the opportunity to catch them live!
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Review by Carol Black
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