24th June 2024

Review: “The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. 1” by Warhog

The first instalment in a trilogy that explores the darker sides of humanity—violence, the lust for power, obsession, and deceit—through a narrative set in a dystopian future, “The Dystopian Chronicles, Vol. 1” is the sophomore record from Dallas Texas riff lords Warhog. A Traditional Heavy Metal band, they have a style characterized by driving, rhythmic riffs and melodic storytelling vocals offering profound reflections on the complexities of our modern world.

Setting the scene, a sublime introduction of synths, programming, orchestration and piano, “Already There” serves to cleanse the palate with a cinematic quality and a hint of Power Metal influence. There are a couple of raw moments that don’t feel quite right but after multiple listens they feel intentional, adding to the charm. Those synths then bleed into “Hunt of the Cybertooth” with one guitar cutting against them and leaving the overall sound a little unbalanced. It’s almost as if the band are trying a little too hard to do something different when they don’t need to but fortunately a big, bold and dare we say it cheesy sing-a-long chorus saves it. What does work well is the vocal layering, which gives the impression of the band having more than one vocalist even though only Scott Beetley is credited. After that chemically enhanced offering Warhog change direction for “Emperor“, dispensing with the synths almost entirely in favour of a classic Traditional Heavy Metal sound. Both guitars are in evidence, leads and a solo with a solid dose of groove riffs make for something more fulfilling and from that influences in Iron Maiden and Pantera rise to the surface. Beetley is a masterful storyteller of the theatrical kind, his vocals are enough to sooth even the most savage of beasts. A tale told from a serial killers eyes “Next” follows suit with a glorious melody and dark spoken word before a flamboyant solo to enrichen the evil. The longer the record goes on, the more noticeable the satisfying crunch of the rhythm guitars becomes, a little heavier than you might usually find in the genre. What is perhaps lacking is a little oomph in the drum sound because while Robert Powers has his parts nailed, the way this has been mixed doesn’t lend itself to them sounding big. Grand finale “Downtrodden” keeps things flowing nicely with something that feels a little more personal lyrically and so it will be interesting to see where the band go from here [7/10]

Track Listing