Review / 200 Words Or Less
Cape Of Bats
Transylvania

Holy Terror (2012) Jon E.

Cape Of Bats – Transylvania cover artwork
Cape Of Bats – Transylvania — Holy Terror, 2012

Cape of Bats is probably the least known about band in the Holy Terror Roster. Cape has slowly been releasing songs online for free throughout the past couple years. Now one the cusp of their first physical release one may ask what are they about. Well, with as many ill founded conclusions one could come to between their name and EP title let me assure any reader that there is no silliness or twilight related stupidity to be found. Instead this is an EP based on lore of a place that one of their members live near. This lore is highlighted within the liner notes through an essay.

The music itself is a very caustic blends of first wave black metal, crust and a slight bit of old school deathrock. All of these elements are blended in such a way that each track seems to flow without sapping energy away from their attack. Opener "To Transylvania" starts with plaintive piano before delving into a nasty lurching song replete with caustic screams that eventually lead to short bursts of fury. Within this one song Cape of Bats not only introduces themselves but also shows you what they have up their sleeves musically without giving everything away. Simply put Cape of Bats deserve your notice the songs are a mix of many things without ever feeling forced and the artwork and essay are a perfect outer shell for the music that lies beneath.

8.4 / 10Jon E. • February 13, 2012

Cape Of Bats – Transylvania cover artwork
Cape Of Bats – Transylvania — Holy Terror, 2012

Recently-posted album reviews

Psing Psong Psung

Only Fan
ORG Music (2023)

Not to be confused with Neil Diamond's Song Sun Blue and I draw no real comparisons to that classic housewife panty-wetting meandering staple of heart-melting, throbbing, pulsing underlying sexual tension in Diamond’s piercing, crooning, come hither and watch me slither succubus style. Come to me, look into my eyes… look deep into my eyes. This leads me to a small story with no relevant … Read more

Off Contact

Pearls Before Swine
Independent (2023)

Pearls Before Swine= offering something of value to someone who does not understand its value or appreciate it The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. These two statements could best describe the debut release of Off Contact. To truly understand this release, it would take countless spins around the world of 33 ⅓ rotations. Easy comparisons are … Read more

Frank Turner

Undefeated
Xtra Mile (2024)

The singer-songwriter gig is a hard one. You have to be the center of attention, captivating your audience from start to finish. Yes, Frank Turner plays with a backing band (The Sleeping Souls), but the focus is always on Turner, be it on stage or on a 14 song LP. And he’s willing to put it all out there. Many … Read more