| CD REVIEW Arnion |
 |
|
Band: Arnion The word “arnion” stands for “lamb of God” in the Greek language, and even though this particular band is actually Brazilian, it should come to no surprise that the members of Arnion are all Christians! From Goiãnia (some 175 kms from Brazilia in a South-Western direction) the band began life in 2003, taking their main influence from ‘80s and ‘90s Thrash Metal! Originally formed by singer Erik, guitarist Max Edson, bassist Marcelo, and drummer Vãtor Pakatu. During Summer of the same year they added Maximum Pentecost guitarist Túlio Caetona to the line-up, before losing singer Erik in September. His role would be taken over by Pedro Neto (also of Maximum Pentecost, and Testamentu). In 2004, Rogério Paulo (Light Hammer) took over drum duties. With a sound remeniscent to the likes of thrash classics Kreator, Exodus, and Tourniquet (with the addition hint at early Sepultura as well), but also of modern equivalents like Toxic Holocaust and Austrian Death Machine, Arnion makes an up-tempo balsy Thrash Metal which contains enough melody to have the underlaying message (the propaganda of the Christian Faith) come through clear enough with the necessary catchiness! It would take the band until 2006 (by then Edson had left his place to Rinaldo Macedo, and the bass was being played by former Profecia thumber Leonardo Araujo) to be able to record wome of their material for a first time in the form of a demo EP called Refuge (to which former members Max Edson and bassist Marcelo Santos brought guest collaborations, by the way). Although a DIY product from start to finish (with all the defaults such a product made by inexperienced people had soundwize), it was good enough to satisfy the fans of the band, as well as several specialist critics…and a producer by the name of Karim Serri, whom also happened to own the Silent Music Records label. And so, the band found themselves signed to that roster! With a slimmed-down line-up (Caetano left, but still contributed rhythm guitar to three tracks) the band then recorded the Fall Like Rain album, which was eventually released through Silent Music in August 2008! The album catapulted the band to one of the big revelations in the ongoing Brazilian Thrash Metal revival, gaining the kind of positive reactions from the Brazilian press which would eventually lead to Retroactive Records taking notice and offering the band a deal for a distribution of Fall Like Rain in the States, Africa, Australia, and Japan! That same album has now found its way to Europe as well, albeit with addition of the Refuge EP, making for a total of 18 tracks (5 of which are short instrumentals, and 3 of those on the EP) and a listening time of nearly 66 minutes. To find out what these guys sound like, check out the 5 (five!) tracks posted at myspace.com/arnionthrash (also a couple of videos, by the way). Since the Brazilian release of the album, the band’s line-up has continued to change, and we now find one Carlo Henrique as frontman, while former Death Metal act Magnificencia’s frontman Rafael Teles has joined the ranks of the Lambs Of God as extra guitarist and backing singer. Silent Music has since released a remastered, re-recorded (one bonus track added) version of Refuge, featuring vocals by the new singer. And the boys are apparently possesed of the Holy Fire, because they’ve already started pre-production for a sophomore album! 88/100 Tony. |