Head of Death

Although the members of Natur describe their sound as “old metal,” the four musicians in this Brooklyn quartet were in their early 20s when Natur's debut album, Head of Death, was released. But a glance at the influences listed on the band's Facebook page reveals these guys have done their homework. Aside from the prerequisite inspirations such as Merciful Fate, Motörhead, and Darkthrone, Natur cites more obscure acts like Manilla Road, Brocas Helm, and Pagan Altar. With period-correct production, dueling guitar leads, and galloping rhythms, the opening title track sounds like New Wave of British Heavy Metal stretched out for eight and a half minutes. The following song, “The Messenger,” spotlights singer Weibust’s penchant for the kinds of eerie narratives found in vintage horror comics. He also displays great timing between his singing and guitar duties, though it’s lead axeman Dino whose white-hot fretboard skills create melodies that sometimes upstage Weibust’s. Weibust seems aware of this in songs like “Goblin Shark,” where he fits complicated vocal phrasing into an impressively higher register.