Review by Felix on January 9, 2020.

For the very sensitive ears of my German compatriots, it might sound like a nationalistic slogan, but sometimes it’s just true and – fortunately! – free from any form of politics: tradition beats any trend. Yes, well written pieces that know their ancestors, their roots and their bloodline will always win against trendy, experimental and further sounds that understand innovation as an end in itself. So, raise the curtain for Diabolic Night, a German duo that brings back the spirit of the past, not only in view of their old-school-as-f**k artwork. Their first full-length appears as the melting pot of Teutonic metal culture. Here you find elements of

- Iron Angel somewhere between “Hellish Crossfire” and “Winds of War”
- Running Wild before Rolf began to play the Caribbean clown
- Nuances of Blind Guardian before they fell victim to their own operas
- the melodic harshness of early Paradox and, finally,
- the spirit of newer (retro) acts, for example Quintessenz.

The aforementioned bands have one thing in common and that’s no coincidence. They did (or do) not play pure thrash, pure this or pure that. For instance, remember the black atmosphere of “Gates to Purgatory” that met rather time-honored structures. Heavy Steeler, the head of Diabolic Night, is also a great cocktail mixer behind the counter of a decrepit den of thieves where old school metal rules the whole night long. His music is sometimes dark (“Crescent Moon Rise”), sometimes driven by harmonic leads (the title track) and sometimes the he and his companion take the shortest, straightest and fastest way (“Infernal Power”, “Sovereign of Doom”). Their songs have compact designs and – it does not come as a big surprise in view of their traditionalist approach – more or less conventional patterns. Perhaps we have to respect people who say that this kind of music does not guarantee the highest level of excitement, but don’t jump to conclusions. The ending of “Odyssey”, for example, is far away from being predictable. Maybe the hoarse vocals, which are supported by massive reverb, are pretty average, but all in all, Diabolic Night’s songs do not lack individuality.

Generally speaking, the smooth flow of the songs does not hurt their heaviness. Perhaps every now and then the solos are too opulent, but everything else is well balanced and the only thing that the band does not offer is boredom. The material scores with its lively vibes, the usual atmospheric gimmicks like funeral bells are well integrated and if the band is able to improve its (already well-developed) song-writing skills, they will be a real force to be reckoned with, at least in the German scene. They are not there yet, because their less speedy tracks do not fully achieve the class of their almost pure speed metal eruptions. But maybe that’s just a question of time. By contrast, the production is already on a top level. Beyond the Realm presents a warm, old-fashioned mix without repeating the recording mistakes of some old heroes. So, I hope you will enjoy the compositions of this album – and maybe it will happen that you think of Death’s “Evil Dead”, because the intro of “In Retribution” lies in close proximity to the beginning of the classic of Chuck (R.I.P.). Well, a few non-Teutonic details are allowed, if I am not mistaken. But don’t dare to violate the laws of tradition, even if you call yourself Chairthrower!

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by Felix on January 9, 2020.

For the very sensitive ears of my German compatriots, it might sound like a nationalistic slogan, but sometimes it’s just true and – fortunately! – free from any form of politics: tradition beats any trend. Yes, well written pieces that know their ancestors, their roots and their bloodline will always win against trendy, experimental and further sounds that understand innovation as an end in itself. So, raise the curtain for Diabolic Night, a German duo that brings back the spirit of the past, not only in view of their old-school-as-f**k artwork. Their first full-length appears as the melting pot of Teutonic metal culture. Here you find elements of

- Iron Angel somewhere between “Hellish Crossfire” and “Winds of War”
- Running Wild before Rolf began to play the Caribbean clown
- Nuances of Blind Guardian before they fell victim to their own operas
- the melodic harshness of early Paradox and, finally,
- the spirit of newer (retro) acts, for example Quintessenz.

The aforementioned bands have one thing in common and that’s no coincidence. They did (or do) not play pure thrash, pure this or pure that. For instance, remember the black atmosphere of “Gates to Purgatory” that met rather time-honored structures. Heavy Steeler, the head of Diabolic Night, is also a great cocktail mixer behind the counter of a decrepit den of thieves where old school metal rules the whole night long. His music is sometimes dark (“Crescent Moon Rise”), sometimes driven by harmonic leads (the title track) and sometimes the he and his companion take the shortest, straightest and fastest way (“Infernal Power”, “Sovereign of Doom”). Their songs have compact designs and – it does not come as a big surprise in view of their traditionalist approach – more or less conventional patterns. Perhaps we have to respect people who say that this kind of music does not guarantee the highest level of excitement, but don’t jump to conclusions. The ending of “Odyssey”, for example, is far away from being predictable. Maybe the hoarse vocals, which are supported by massive reverb, are pretty average, but all in all, Diabolic Night’s songs do not lack individuality.

Generally speaking, the smooth flow of the songs does not hurt their heaviness. Perhaps every now and then the solos are too opulent, but everything else is well balanced and the only thing that the band does not offer is boredom. The material scores with its lively vibes, the usual atmospheric gimmicks like funeral bells are well integrated and if the band is able to improve its (already well-developed) song-writing skills, they will be a real force to be reckoned with, at least in the German scene. They are not there yet, because their less speedy tracks do not fully achieve the class of their almost pure speed metal eruptions. But maybe that’s just a question of time. By contrast, the production is already on a top level. Beyond the Realm presents a warm, old-fashioned mix without repeating the recording mistakes of some old heroes. So, I hope you will enjoy the compositions of this album – and maybe it will happen that you think of Death’s “Evil Dead”, because the intro of “In Retribution” lies in close proximity to the beginning of the classic of Chuck (R.I.P.). Well, a few non-Teutonic details are allowed, if I am not mistaken. But don’t dare to violate the laws of tradition, even if you call yourself Chairthrower!

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by JD on September 19, 2010.

Greek Death Metal has been some of the most brutal ever forged by the hands of mere mortals. It is known for it destructive power and its outright snubbing of the mainstream metal to create things that are it’s own. I love musicians who can do that, and back it up with quality music.... just like Homo Iratus.

This Greek threesome create some seriously intense yet melodic Death Metal that is actually catchy while being heavy enough for any metaller in the world. I find myself having to describe them as one part Corrosion Of Conformity, one part Motorhead and one part early Carcass with a sound like Venom mixed with Nuclear Assault sort of vibe as well. Eclectic... yes... yet great.

It is true that Homo Iratus is not very technical, but their ability to execute their music with major power while having so much melody make up for it with. Sadly... this is only a four track EP, which as people know, makes me want more. Being that this is a EP, and having this overly simplistic approach to the recording - brings my rating down somewhat, thankfully I still love it though, and my ratings go up in other areas.

There is a report that Homo Iratus have broken-up at the time that I write this. I hope that this report is just nothing more than speculation. These guys have found their way into my playing rotation and that is hard in the first place. I hope that the band are still together because they owe everyone a full album. This is just a tease for my metallic pallet. I hate being teased, but I will wait to hear more.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 6.5
Originality: 7
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.5 out of 10