Rough Edge: Grenouer CD Reviews

GRENOUER

"The Odour O'Folly/Gravehead" (Copro; 2010)

The two Grenouer albums featured on this re-release have been out of print for some time. While they may not have been worth shelling out big bucks on eBay for, they're certainly worth the regular price of a CD.

The tracks on this collection are balls-to-the-wall metal from start to finish. The vocals are a little growly but not overdone. There are lots of blast beats and thrashing guitars. If you're a fan of vintage thrash, this CD's for you.

The production leaves something to be desired but, then again, these are older albums. And, although it's interesting to hear a live version of the band's cover of A-Ha's "Take On Me," it seems a little pointless and out of place here.

Regardless, fans of this band who have been looking for these albums don't give a crap what I think. They're just glad to have a copy of this in their collection, at a price that won't break their banks.

For more information visit http://www.grenouer.com or http://www.myspace.com/grenouer.

"Lifelong Days" (Locomotive; 2008)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

St. Petersburg, Russia natives Grenouer have been persistent in their on-going challenge to have their music heard by the masses. Grenouer were successful enough with their previous efforts to have garnered the attention of the Locomotive label. This is indicative enough of the band’s progression.

“Lifelong Days” represents the band’s fifth album – much of the band’s sound has remained intact from previous efforts. Grenouer still play aggressive technical metal although they’ve dropped many of the death metal and techno elements present on previous albums. “Lifelong Days” represents a more modern, progressive approach to their evolving style. Compared to their past albums the extended use of melody and clean/melodic vocals gives “Lifelong Days” a much wider appeal to metal fans that appreciate a fresh approach to modern metal.

“Lifelong Days” will be enjoyed by fans of Meshuggah, Fear Factory, A Life Once Lost, Pantera, etc.

“Lifelong Days” was produced by Grenouer.

Grenouer is Ind on vocals, Motor on guitar, Slavij on bass, and Grave on drums.

For more information visit http://www.grenouer.com or http://www.myspace.com/grenouer.

"Try" (Self-produced; 2005)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

"Try" is an EP follow up to Grenouer's 2004 full-length release "Presence With War." The three songs on "Try" keep the modern death metal style that was heard on the previous release while shedding some of the more obvious techno elements. Grenouer continues to use industrial sounds and idioms for consistency's sake.

"Try," as short as it is, provides a quick glimpse into a band that slowly evolving while staying true to the mid-paced, industrial strength death metal groove that appears to the hallmark of their long history.

Those of you who enjoy a more technical sound in the death metal style will not be disappointed with Grenouer's "Try." And for those of you truly interested in this style Grenouer will be releasing a new full-length album in early 2006.

"Try" was produced by Anssi Kippo and Grenouer.

For more information visit http://www.grenouer.com.

"Presence With War" (Self-produced; 2004)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Grenouer hail from the Siberian region of Russia and play an accessible version of what they describe as ‘techno death metal.' Since we at Rough Edge don't hear much from the Russian metal scene I could only guess that Grenouer were a new band; however, I was surprised to learn that Grenouer have a history dating back to the mid-90s with a pretty consistent recording history. "Presence With War" is Grenouer's fourth full-length album -- it's obvious these guys are no strangers to a recording studio.

Grenouer don't necessarily present anything new with "Presence With War" except to say that they seem very comfortable with what they do and seem to be very consistent with their delivery. And what Grenouer does is play a very accessible version of mid-paced death metal with elements of industrial and techno.

"Presence With War" was produced, mixed, and engineered by Arkady Navajo and mastered at the world famous Finnvox Studios by Mika Jussila.

For more information visit http://www.grenouer.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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