J-Metal Reviews: ROSENFELD "PIGS OF THE EMPIRE"

By Badman

What the hell is up you steel studded metalheads?! Are you all ready for A-to-J’s first Japanese heavy metal review? I sure as hell am! For my first review, we have none other than Japanese thrash metal pioneers, ROSENFELD, and their record first and only record “PIGS OF THE EMPIRE”. ROSENFELD consists of HISAYOSHI on vocals, HIROMI and S.D.G. YOUICHI on guitars, GISH on bass, and KOUICHI on drums. 

"PIGS OF THE EMPIRE" has a total of nine tracks running roughly fifty-two and a half minutes. I will admit the album’s production isn't absolutely polished, but that doesn’t take away from the power. The lack of sound production does yield positives as it gives each song an attitude of extreme gritty rawness. Although Pigs seems lacking in the amount of songs one would expect for a full-length, there are no fillers! Every track firmly holds its place like a deeply rooted tree. One can clearly tell each song was meticulously chosen to make the cut. There is zero bullshit! Only 100% sonic savagery! 

ROSENFELD’s brand of thrash metal stands out amongst their contemporaries which makes Pigs such a standout album. Each song treats the ear with twists and turns keeping the listener interested. The choruses run deep with catchy gang vocals. HIROMI and YOUICHI litter each song skull-crushing riffs to bang your head to. KOUICHI's drums are insanely relentless and GISH’s bass playing is clear and distinctive amongst the murderous sonic hellscape. To top it off, vocalist HISAYOSHI’s powerful HEAVY shrieking vocals carries this record above and beyond; he sounds like a goddamn madman!  

"PIGS OF THE EMPIRE" will not disappoint for all lovers of metal. Come along for the ride into the depths of hell with the legendary Rosenfeld. My recommendation/standouts are "HOLOCAUST EVE", "CAUGHT IN A TRAP", "REST IN PEACE", "PIGS OF THE EMPIRE" (obviously!), and "FIELD OF ROSES", but my ultimate recommendation would be to listen to the whole damn album to get the REAL ROSENFELD experience!

The entire album can be listened to (probably not the most authorized of sources) via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX5yXpNniQA