UMUR
"Boar Riders" is the debut full-length studio album by Danish groove metal/hardcore act Pilgrimz. The album was released through I Scream Records in 2008. Pilgrimz were formed in 1998 and they released the two EPs "Goodday mister president (2006)" and "Small minds Great knowledge (2007)", before recording and releasing "Boar Riders".
The music on "Boar Riders" is a combination of hardcore, groove metal, thrash metal, and sweaty rock´n´roll. The material is extremely energetic and hard hittin´ but certainly not without melodic sensibility or cathy hooks. In fact some of the choruses are obviously written to make you shout along to them. The vocals by Max Vegas (Real name: Max Christensen) are aggressive shouting hardcore styled vocals, often delivered on the verge of hysteria. They can be a bit hard on the ears, but they suit the music perfectly.
The music is hardly original, as all elements are recognisable and have been used before by other artists (Fast thrashy riffing, punk´n´rolled hard rocking riffing, mid-paced groovy riffs, and heavy breakdowns), but the combination of elements makes "Boar Riders" stand out. It´s mostly the very convincing and aggressive delivery of the music which carries the album though. Even the few moments where it all becomes a bit generic sounding, are saved by the raw energy and fierce delivery. The fact that the band are all skilled performers isn´t exactly a minus either.
"Boar Riders" features a powerful and raw sounding production, which suits the music perfectly. Not surprisingly the album is produced by Jacob Hansen and mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen. Two very prolific Danish producers. Upon conclusion "Boar Riders" is quite the convincing debut album by Pilgrimz. Fans of high octane energetic groove metal/hardcore with a rock´n´roll twist should be able to enjoy this greatly. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.