Review by Felix on May 1, 2019.

Sometimes life is easy. Just get a good drink, put a black vinyl on the turntable and listen to a meaty piece of heavy metal. If there is no vinyl at hand, a CD can be taken as well. For example, a copy of the debut of Stormdeath which has been released by the fine label Witches Brew. The musicians of this underground entity do not hide that they like a pretty simple way of proceeding as well. The quartet originates from Sweden, but its stomping style has a rather Teutonic touch. Either way, Time to Destroy is an album that makes fun. Don't expect pompous song patterns or any form of bombastic equipment, but a unit that knows how to use the tried and tested tools and they perform an approach that has found its place between heavy / power metal and thrash.

A more than sufficient number of songs burst out of the speakers with a lot of pressure and spontaneity. Impulsive and double-bass driven, this is how pieces like "Accursed" speed along their straight highway. The powerful, warm and gapless sound sets the right frame and so many tunes shine in full bloom. Well, the band did not have the right touch when it came to the arrangement of the track list, because the rather weak numbers kick off this album. However, the hit rate is still quite remarkable and dynamic neck breakers like "Black Sorrow" ensure a fist banging mania, a headbanging euphoria or a skull splitting orgy - make your choice right now or listen to false metal for all eternity.

The musicians have given themselves rather ridiculous pseudonyms and this action remains a mystery to me, because their music spreads dark and fairly dangerous vibes, much more than trite names like "Predator" or "Evil Bastard". However, this is the only gimmick which is offered by this down-to-earth formation, if one neglects a slightly strange bass solo in the third track. The core competence of the Scandinavians is honest music and a song like "Dreamwalker" proves evidence in this context. It seems to be the heavy brother of Priest's "Nightcrawler" and connects a gloomy atmosphere at the beginning with a stormy ending. This is modern yet tradition-conscious, generic heavy metal at its best, even though the thrash elements prevail when it comes to the entire material. 

But details aside, Stormdeath just try to combine the best of both worlds and they are pretty successful in doing so. Even though the songs are not spectacular, experimental or overloaded with breaks, I would not call them predictable or primitive, by far not. These ruffians present a comprehensible style, no more, no less, and that's absolutely okay from my point of view. They also integrate catchy elements every now and then, for example the chorus of "Pay the Price" keeps sticking in the listener's mind. Therefore, it can be a good idea for everyone who likes handmade blue collar metal to check this album out. It will not change your life, but it invites you to a more than decent listening session.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Adam M on March 28, 2014.

The emotion put forth by this black metal band is outstanding. The harshness of the music is countered by a calm folk element which greatly helps the band. The density of the riffs is nice and creates an all-encompassing aura.

The album would appear to be a raw black metal album at first glance, but it clearly contains melody and symphonic aspects as well. This makes for an album that needs to be checked beyond the initial listen for intricacies. There are many moments that catch your attention with a black metal feel that is very distinct. The melodies almost make them fall into the same category as something like Woods Of Ypres, but the music here is undeniably more diabolic than that. The raspy vocals also take them away from being a completely melodramatic band. This is music that fans of black metal should find very appealing. There is enough heaviness combined with a nihilistic aspect to make fans of the early Mayhem stuff, for example, drawn towards the music here.

As the listen goes on, it becomes clear the band has many movements and riffs to beckon you into their grasp. This isn’t music for the lighthearted and fans of Immortal will only find portions of the overall attack here strong. Fans of folk and dense black metal will find the song “First Light” right up their alley. The guitar riffs become more open to debate upon when further listens are given. Though it’s not really difficult, the music here is catchy and deep enough to capture a lot of people’s attention. The comparisons here don’t really do justice to the album because it is really a one of a kind listen. Anticipate more fulfillment with further listens with Curse.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Adam M on March 28, 2014.

The emotion put forth by this black metal band is outstanding. The harshness of the music is countered by a calm folk element which greatly helps the band. The density of the riffs is nice and creates an all-encompassing aura.

The album would appear to be a raw black metal album at first glance, but it clearly contains melody and symphonic aspects as well. This makes for an album that needs to be checked beyond the initial listen for intricacies. There are many moments that catch your attention with a black metal feel that is very distinct. The melodies almost make them fall into the same category as something like Woods Of Ypres, but the music here is undeniably more diabolic than that. The raspy vocals also take them away from being a completely melodramatic band. This is music that fans of black metal should find very appealing. There is enough heaviness combined with a nihilistic aspect to make fans of the early Mayhem stuff, for example, drawn towards the music here.

As the listen goes on, it becomes clear the band has many movements and riffs to beckon you into their grasp. This isn’t music for the lighthearted and fans of Immortal will only find portions of the overall attack here strong. Fans of folk and dense black metal will find the song “First Light” right up their alley. The guitar riffs become more open to debate upon when further listens are given. Though it’s not really difficult, the music here is catchy and deep enough to capture a lot of people’s attention. The comparisons here don’t really do justice to the album because it is really a one of a kind listen. Anticipate more fulfillment with further listens with Curse.

Rating: 8 out of 10