Berserker
Berserker draws a thick line between heavy metal and danceable melodies, then happily steps across it. Beast In Black let fast guitars, large keyboard parts and remarkably high singing work together. The music is carefully finished, but retains enough rough force to offer more than a procession of sweet choruses.
The opening Beast In Black pushes hard immediately. Fast passages and a fierce voice give the record a convincing start. Yannis Papadopoulos can sound sharp and gritty, but also carry a much gentler melody. His range gives the songs room to move in different directions without the band losing its identity.
Blind And Frozen demonstrates the more accessible approach. The pace is steadier and the chorus receives plenty of space. Keyboards enlarge the melody while the guitars maintain enough pressure. It works through the combination of a clear structure and a singer willing to make a large impression.
Crazy, Mad, Insane brings the dance side firmly forward. Its rhythm and electronic sounds almost belong on a disco floor, but the band keep it within their own heavy style. This may be the moment that wins or loses you. Anyone who dislikes sweet melodies and clear pop influences gets a particularly generous helping here.
Even so, the combination usually works. The guitar parts have enough force and the singing offers more character than range alone. Beast In Black do plenty with familiar ideas without pretending to create an entirely new genre. The appeal comes from the performances, momentum and melodies. Berserker is an outgoing debut that brings its lighter and heavier sides together well. There is little need to complicate the music when the songs make their point this directly.
