It is hard for a band to reinvent themselves while still maintaining their signature sound. Usually, something has to give in order for that organic change to happen. Fortunately for fans of Swiss Thrash Metal band, Poltergeist, they not only have reinvented themselves, while keeping their sound, but also enhance their musical prowess with Feather of Truth set for release on July 3, 2020 via Massacre Records.
Their fifth overall studio album, this is not the first time that Poltergeist had to reinvent themselves. Forming back in 1985, under the name, Carrion, it was not until 1989, under the name Poltergeist that they released their debut record, Depression. Two more more would follow, Behind My Mask in 1991 and Nothing Lasts Forever in 1993, but sadly they broke up.
They did not stay dead, reforming in 2013 and released their first album in 23 years, Back to Haunt. Reinventing themselves did start with a major change, it began with the addition of Reto Crola on drums. Along with Crola are, André Grieder providing vocals, V.O. Pulver on guitar, but also acting as a producer, mixer, and master on the record. Additionally, Chasper Wanner provides guitars, and Ralf Winzer Garcia bass.
These factors in place, Feather of Truth’s brutal assault on the senses kicks off with “Time At Hand,” a song that quickly lets you know what Poltergeist has in store for you. Crola does not take long to launch an all-out battery of double bass kicks which elevates the already Heavy Metal to new heights.
Showcasing more of Crola’s talents, both “Saturday Night’s Alright For Rockin’,” and the title cut start off with a flurry of drum rolls that lead straight into roaring guitar and bass riffs. “Feather of Truth” show what this band is capable to doing as songwriters. That in mind, like most of the album, the song is themed around a mixture of modern and historical elements; this one in particular being about The Egyptian goddess of truth, balance, justice, and morality and how that still has a significant impacting modern society.
Moving along, “The Attention Trap,” does not loosen the stranglehold by providing more face-melting galloping riffs. Although, this track does not fall into the monotone Thrash trap, it gives you a good look into the technicality in Pulver, Wanner, and Garcia’s guitars and bass work. Up next, “Phantom Army” can only be described as an emotional roller coaster. Starting off at a slower pace than what you might be used to, it quickly picks up the pace, only to bring it back down, before finishing up with all the Thrash it can throw at you, along with a tasty guitar solo.
Next, “The Godz Of The Seven Rays” gives you a much need break to try and gather your thoughts from the brain damaging amount of head banging. However, do not be fooled into thinking that the change of pace kills the heaviness of the album, because it does not! The next cluster of songs – “The Culling,” “Megalomaniac,” and “Ambush” – pick pace right back up. This is not to say that the tracks all sound the same, instead, they each have their own life. Wrapping up the album, “Thin Blue Line” manages to show you even more of the band’s talent with an evil sounding introduction that eventually morphs into Poltergeist’s signature Thrash Metal sound.
It is daunting for a bands to change or tweak a part of themselves. Then, they have to face their fans to show them what they have come up with. Normally, that fear is warranted, but Feather of Truth not only meet expectations, but exceed them. Which is why Cryptic Rock gives this new album 4 out of 5 stars.
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