Battered rose as a thrash metal onslaught from the demise of Viking metal pioneers, Einherjer. Formed in 2004 by Gerhard Storesund (drums), Frode Glesnes (guitar) and Aksel Herløe (guitar). The line up was completed by Ole Moldesæther (bass) and Siggy Olaisen (vocals), both brothers in arms from the underground act Headblock. With its members musical interests spreading from grindcore, to symphonic metal, through alternative and black metal, the band members decided to focus on where it all had begun for them: with in-your-face thrash metal! Music stripped down to its most basic and brutal form. Battered has shattered all links to its members former associations, and are instead focusing on making innovative music fueled by aggression. Instead of leaning on the visuals of corpse paint, chain mail, and lyrical connections to the occult, Battered lets the music speak for itself. The band signed with Norwegian Tabu Recordings shortly after the recording of their self titled debut album. The bands inspiration comes from a wide variety of sources, from Slayer, Kreator, Pantera, and Slipknot, to the more hardcore/punk side of JR Ewing and Refused and everything between. The lyrics are honest and direct, revolving around the everyday struggles, hardships and questions we all face, as well as the urge to overcome them and be all that we can be. Battered is not about depression and defeat, but the drive that makes you rise above it!

BATTERED (2006) TABU

I really liked the last CD by Einherjer, called 'Blot'. Their brand of majestic Viking metal appealed to me, so when that band broke up, and several members went on to form a thrash metal band, they had my interest peaked from get go. Battered became the name of the new beast. And thrash metal is their game. Mind you, this is not another Bay Area replica. Nor do they cater to the German thrash metal scene. Rather they remind me of much newer bands, like The Haunted and Carnal Forge. So Battered is a Swedish sounding thrash metal act from Norway! The music is a loud, paint stripping metal onslaught, with the aggression worn on the sleeves of the musicians. Much like one of their biggest influences, Slayer, these guys play it fast, all the time! That does not take away from the ability of the players though. I would not call it technical, but rather well written, and well played. This kind of music can easily become samey. But not Battered. Every song is well crafted, and delivers a new approach, whether it be riffs, vocal delivery or something else. Siggy is belting out the vocals, giving the band that hardcore feel. If you read the bio for this band, you'll learn that they state Slipknot as one of their influences. And it's only in the vocals I can slightly hear this. 'Battered' is a debut to be proud of, and the only thing I would have improved would be the cover art.

Killer tracks: Oblivion Awaits, New Lament, Not One, Perfect Illusion, Derelict