"Wåttamezz" is a wordplay on the the phonetic way to pronounce "what a mess" in a Norwegian-accented English. So not strange at all, Wåttamezz is a Norwegian band, hailing out of Trondheim in 1993. After a self-financed demo in 1993, they released their debut album in 1997. 7 years then went by until we heard from them again. In 2004 they released the 'Suicide Jesus' single. This single won them a record contract, when they attended a national contest, held on 'Metalblender', an interactive show aired on the Norwegian Broadcasting Network, NRK1. The second album was recorded during the last half of 2005, and saw a release the following February.

SOULFUEL (2006) VME/HEAD NOT FOUND

  1. The Hollow
  2. Modern Symbology
  3. Behind Closed Doors
  4. Sweet Sister
  5. When You've Gone The Devils Distance
  6. Insomnia
  7. Suicide Jesus
  8. In The Flesh
  9. The Year Of The Fire
  10. Devils Dance
  11. Sign Of Winter

Line-up:

Gunnar Illøkken : Guitar
Knut Berntsen : Guitar
Paul Inge Kosberg : Drums
Kenneth Paulsen : Bass
Tommy Sebastian Halseth : Vocals

Guests:

Erik "The Viking" Nygård, Jeanette Paulsen, Ragnhild Børset: Background Vocals

Krell - Demon Voice

Johnny Wangberg - Bass on 6

What's in a name? Well, for most bands it can be many things. Wåttamezz have certainly not made it easy on themselves, choosing a name any English speaking man should be able to understand, even though they spell it almost phonetically the way you would pronounce it with a Norwegian accent. This with Norwegian lettering and all! Now I have not herd anything from the bands earlier catalogue, but I know their first demo consisted of songs with both English and Norwegian lyrics. Back then they were more of a garage thrash metal band, not taking themselves too seriously. But after a 7 year hiatus, the band decided to give it a more serious go. Thus they released a single, named 'Suicide Jesus'. With this they entered a heavy metal contest on Norwegian national TV. This contest saw as many as 300 bands entering, but Wåttamezz won! The prize was a record contract with Head Not Found. The result is 'Soulfuel', a metal platter with lots of groove and melody. Their thrash metal roots are still apparent in songs like "When You've Gone The Devils Distance" and "Devils Dance". But now they also blend in a more modern groove. Imagine a mix of Pantera and 'Load'-era Metallica, and I think you've got a match. Singer Tommy Sebastian vocal delivery is also constantly reminding me of his days in Griffin. He brings his rough, gravelling voice, that those familiar remember from Griffin's early days. 'Soulfuel' is a very groove-laden album, albeit not a very inventive one. The songs are all quite reminiscent of each other, but that doesn't make any of them boring, or samey. Nothing blows me away, but I still enjoy what I am hearing. I would also have liked a sharper, and ore upfront guitar-tone. Other than that, this is a well produced metal album that I am sure many lovers of this genre will love.

Killer tracks: Modern Symbology, When You've Gone The Devils Distance, Insomnia, Devils Dance

Tommy Sebastian guest appearances:

Triosphere - 'Onwards'

 

Related artists: 

Griffin