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Seven years have passed since German thrash metal veterans Minotaur released their cult-as-fuck-LP “God May Show You Mercy...We Will Not“, and now they’re back with a new MLP, released through High Roller Records. It’s safe to say that “Beast of Nations” avoids innovation like the plague – but this release isn’t just “old school”: it’s Minotaur at their best! Jörg Bock (drums) and Andi Richwien (git/voc) didn’t change a thing about their barbaric, riff-based brand of 80’s thrash – ask Andi yourself: “We stick to our guns. Minotaur still has the same main members, the same main songwriters as back in the days. Nothing has changed – This is pure MINOTAUR. Period.” The four tracks on “Beast of Nations” were recorded at the Bumblebee Studio in Hamburg, where studio owner Andre Laschett made sure Minotaur got all the time they needed to get these brand new ‘TAUR tunes just right. Mixing was taken on by Thomas “Schrödey” Schröder (Holy Moses, Temple of the Absurd...) at his Hamburg-based Absurd Studio. Bass duties on “Beast of Nations” were taken over by Paragon’s Jan Bünning. The MLP will come with a special lyric sheet, and Minotaur buddy Wes Rhodes (Dekapitator) contributed both the intro lead solo for “27 Dead” and the backing vocals on “Beast of Nations”. The “Beast...” also comes with a small sensation: It’s adorned with the very first metal-themed cover artwork that Phil Lawvere has created in years! Phil Lawvere? Kreator, Rage, Celtic Frost...? Exactly, that Phil Lawvere. Now unleash this “Beast of Nations” and BE WITH THE 'TAUR! Ulrike Schmitz |