Batoche is a fast-paced, self-proclaimed DIY hardcore/metal band from Vancouver, Canada. They have released three records independently (and changed their name) all before releasing their most recent, Terra Incognita. They boast that "new elements of chaos, atmosphere, flow and power" are found in their music, which is accompanied by insightful lyrical thought.
Terra Incognita, the Latin term for "unknown land," opens with "Flesh and Stone." Feedback and piano start off the track and are quickly forgotten when the pounding drums of Colin Tether and the the voices of Shawn Gabel and Kevin Grindon arrive. The press sheet explains that both of the guitarists (Gabel and Grindon) share vocals with Tether, which makes sense because parts with "gang vocals" appear in the song.
With three-fourths of the band dedicating themselves to do vocals, it is obvious that there's a focus on Batoche's lyrics. A brief excerpt displays the thought that goes into their writing:
The archetypal roles that we're obliged to fill leave us as hallow shells, automatons performing empty gestures. Voluntary submission, protective servitude. The desire to feel that we contribute to institutions and ideology. We strive to rebuild those ghastly bridges, those passages between souls. We reach out to chemical gods, vicarious fiction, and cathartic release.
"Note to Self" highlights a very technical side to Batoche along with the hardcore roots the band prides. The song ends with driving guitars and drums at Slayer speeds. Did Kerry King ever experiment with hardcore? "The Power of Nightmares" becomes instrumental just over halfway through transforming from metal-core to a softer, yet still heavy, "post-metal" vibe, making it the longest song on Terra Incognita. "Legacy of Man" begins with a quick and melodic riff that caught my attention. The words, "Some of our traditions need to be forgotten," are the first lyrics in the song, which goes on to examine the legitimacy of warfare and violence in powerful nations.
Batoche deliver a type of metal-core that is not as run-of-the-mill as most bands in the current music scene. However, on the first day of Summer, Scene Point Blank got news that Batoche just broke up. I'm interested to see if any of these members continue to write music, combining some of their other influences to create an even more diverse group.
