Instigator-Bad Future

Gates of Hell Records
2015

Instigator is a raw and unrepentant heavy/speed metal band that hails from Italy and is fronted by some crazy lunatic by the name of Hiroshima*. In addition to the sick and twisted demon that this five-piece band keeps chained to the mic (who is really quite good and definitely helps set the mood for this group's post-apocalyptic outlook and vibe) Instigator features within it's ranks guitarist D. Slaughter** (Trap, ex-Disaffection, ex-Devil Lee Rot, ex-Portrait, ex-Autopsy Torment, ex-Cross Bow). Otherwise we have band members with monikers like Persecutioner (bass), Transgressor (drums), and D. Retaliator (guitars). That should give you a little idea of where this lot is coming from. If it doesn't then by all means please be patient. We'll get back to mindset of this speedy five-piece soon enough. For now it's all about the jams. As is wasteland-approved jams! Because really that's what you're getting with this particular product! As for the details? Well, here we go! The 14 minute plus "Bad Future" is a four-track 7" that will be released on December 11 on Gates of Hell Records (a Cruz Del Sur Music sub-label). It serves as the follow-up to the band's 2010 tape "Future Shock" which featured (among others) such golden gems as "Submit to Satan" and "Fuck Me (When I'm Dead)". While these few songs are nowhere near as shocking as the material on the group's debut tape, "Future Shock", Instigator still delivers solid metal that hits just the right notes. This is metal pure and simple. Otherwise what more is there to talk about? Well, we could talk about the spoken-word passages/possible samples that pop up occasionally on this 7". No spoilers or anything, but they form a nice narrative for "Bad Future". Unfortunately there's no reference sources to go along with said interludes. Not that it matters. After all we're here to talk about the music right? As mentioned it's solid metal in the form of heavy/speed metal. OK, it's actually heavy/speed metal that occasionally lapses into thrash as much as it does crossover. There's even a wee bit of street metal going on here. Still, 9 time out of 10 this is heavy/speed metal. In no way is that a bad thing. It just is what it is and in that regard it gets the job done. It's like no fuss/no extra additives needed heavy metal for those who like their heavy metal uncomplicated and straight to the point. At the end of the day the five members of Instigator do the old "in & out" as well as anyone going. Seeing as this is likely a part-time gig what more could you ask for?

 

*I'm not sure how well this will come off on paper, but anyway Hiroshima sort of reminds me of Blaine Cook (former lead singer of  The Accused). The only thing is Instigator's lead singer is way more wicked and he sounds as if he is as much a fan of King Diamond as he is C.O.C.'s Mike Dean. But then again it could all be a product of my vivid imagination so it would be best to hear this one for yourself.


**Otherwise known as David Stranderud.