Ruynor – ‘Metal To The Punk’

(Metalapolis Records)

There are albums that grab you by the throat from the opening seconds, albums that gradually work their way under your skin, and then there are albums that you can appreciate perfectly well without ever feeling that essential spark. Ruynor’s Metal To The Punk falls into that third category for me. This is by no means a bad album, and there is clearly plenty of passion, attitude and energy packed into its twelve-track running time, but ultimately it is a record that left me feeling more indifferent than inspired.

The title Metal To The Punk pretty much tells you exactly what you are getting. Ruynor operate somewhere between heavy metal and punk, taking the aggression, rebellious attitude and raw directness of punk and throwing it into a metal framework. It is an uncomplicated approach, built around guitars, attitude and a desire to kick against the establishment rather than sit politely within the boundaries of conventional metal.

On paper, that combination sounds like something that should work extremely well. There is an obvious crossover between the two genres, particularly when it comes to aggression, volume and an appetite for doing things your own way. Metal and punk have both traditionally thrived on attitude, and Ruynor certainly aren't lacking in that department.

The problem for me is that the particular style adopted here simply doesn't connect with me in the way I had hoped it might.

That's not a criticism of the band's enthusiasm. Quite the opposite. There is a genuine sense that Ruynor have thrown themselves into this project wholeheartedly. The performances are committed, the guitars have plenty of bite, and there is a rough-edged energy running through the record. This isn't music that sounds as though it has been created without conviction. There is a clear identity here, and fans of metal/punk crossover should find plenty to get their teeth into.

For my tastes, though, the songwriting doesn't consistently provide enough of those moments that make me sit up and take notice.

The album has plenty of attitude, but attitude alone isn't always enough to make an album memorable. I tend to gravitate towards melody, hooks, dynamics and those big moments that make you want to immediately press play again. Metal To The Punk is more interested in delivering its message with a clenched fist than reaching for the melodic jugular, and that leaves me somewhat on the outside looking in.

There is certainly nothing polished or overly sanitised about the record. The punk influence gives the material a rawness that prevents things from becoming too predictable, while the metal side brings additional weight and heaviness. The guitars provide much of the muscle, and when the two styles collide effectively, there is an appealing sense of controlled chaos.

Yet the same roughness that will undoubtedly appeal to some listeners is also what keeps me from fully embracing the album.

Vocally, Twisted-Felix Ruyn has a suitably aggressive delivery that fits the material. There is no shortage of conviction, and his performances have the necessary grit for this kind of music. Rather than aiming for soaring melodic vocals or polished hard-rock theatrics, the delivery is geared towards confrontation and attitude. Again, that is entirely appropriate to what Ruynor are trying to achieve.

And perhaps that is the important point here: Ruynor know what they want this album to be. Metal To The Punk isn't trying to be a glossy commercial metal record. It isn't chasing massive AOR choruses or radio-friendly melodies. It is rooted in a more rebellious, underground-minded approach where energy, aggression and attitude are every bit as important as musical refinement. If that is your musical sweet spot, then I can see this album having considerably more impact. For me, however, it becomes a question of personal connection.

There are moments where I can hear what the band are doing and appreciate the enthusiasm behind it, but appreciation and enjoyment aren't always the same thing. I can recognise the ingredients, understand the intention and acknowledge the commitment without pretending that the finished product has set my pulse racing.

That doesn't make Metal To The Punk a failure. Far from it. Ruynor have produced an album with a distinct personality, and there is enough energy and conviction here to suggest that they know exactly where they want to take their music. It is direct, rebellious and unapologetic, with a sound that refuses to sit comfortably inside one genre.

Ultimately, though, this is one of those occasions where the music simply hasn't connected with me personally. I suspect listeners who live comfortably on the border between punk and metal will get considerably more from Metal To The Punk than I did. There is plenty here for fans of abrasive guitars, aggressive vocals, punk attitude and heavy-metal muscle. For those people, Ruynor's refusal to compromise could be precisely what makes the album appealing.

As for me, I came away appreciating the effort rather than falling in love with the result. And that's perfectly okay. Not every album is going to be your cup of tea. Sometimes a record can be perfectly competent, energetic and well executed while still failing to ignite that all-important spark. Metal To The Punk is exactly that kind of album for me. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, but when the final notes fade, I'm left with the feeling that I wanted something more. Sometimes the most honest review is simply to say: it's not bad, it just isn't for me.

6/10

Essential Track – ‘Twisted Daze & Hellfire Nites’

Review by Woody