Emil Bulls – Phoenix

Releasedate: 25-09-2009; Label: Drakkar (Sony Music)
By: Nina Mende

Emil Bulls is a German alternative metal band that formed in 1995 in Munich, Bavaria. The group is currently constituted of two guitarists, a bass guitar player, a drummer and a vocalist/guitarist. “Phoenix” is their seventh studio album.

The album starts out quite harsh. “Here Comes The Fire” is a wonderful song to mosh and dance along. It also has a calm bridge to catch some breath. “When God Was Sleeping” somehow reminded me of “Magic Recovery” by Disco Ensemble in the first two beats but turned into a typical Emil Bulls song right away, very fast with shouting and an outstanding double kick on the drums. This song has a great rhythm. “The Architects of my Apocalypse” is a more melodic song. “Ad Infinitum” has a great balance between metal elements and slower melodic vocals. Another fast song with lots of shouting is “Infecting the Program”, this one makes you want to jump along. “Nothing in this World” is quite slow compared to the rest, a song with a strong bridge and a catchy chorus. “Time” is a very catchy song which is easy to get stuck in your head. “It’s High Time” has a very slow beginning before it kicks off with shouting followed by a full and loud chorus. Then it gets more melodic and slower. This order repeats throughout the song. “The Storm Comes In” is a very fast and metal like song, it contains almost only shouting, only the chorus is sung. “Triumph And Disaster” is a quite thoughtful song which would also be great to be played on regular radio stations. The chorus somewhat sounds like a typical anthem which you will hear being sung by fans at Emil Bulls shows. “Man Overboard” has a really nice chorus and bridge. It also contains lots of shouting and double bass kick of the drums. “Son Of The Morning” is a very balanced song, and somehow a one of a kind on this album. Simply gorgeous. The last song “I Don’t Belong Here” begins with piano playing and soft vocals. The lyrics are very touchy and the melody is extremely catchy. The song is somehow sad yet romantic. The piano and the soft vocals create a unique atmosphere. A wonderful and very beautiful six minute long ballad which you probably would not have guess that it’s by Emil Bulls. Closer to the end of this song the entire band sets it for the grand finale.

This is music to be heard LOUD! So turn up your stereo when listening to the new masterpiece by Emil Bulls.

Links:
Emil Bulls Official