Ültra Raptör - Fossilized
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ÜLTRA RAPTӦR - FOSSILIZED LABEL: FIGHTER RECORDS RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 7th 2025
It’s late 2015 in Québec City, Canada and guitarists Criss Raptör and Steve Force are discussing ideas for a new band with drummer Rick Wild. The beers are flowing and references are made to German speed metal, US power metal, fantasy, sci-fi and comic books. And then Rick Wild says “what if the band is called Ültra Raptör and we have a song that sings about Cadillacs and dinosaurs?” Cadillacs and dinosaurs? Was this a clever allusion to the nascent band’s blend of primeval speed and savagery with meticulous, precision playing? The meshing of ancient influences and modern power? Or was it just an outburst of alcohol fuelled metal madness? Whatever the thought, or lack of it, behind that fateful statement it set another great Canadian metal band on their way! Steve Force and the inspirational Rick Wild took their leave of Ültra Raptör after 2018s self titled EP, but Criss Raptör is still there and the band are going from strength to strength. Debut album Tyrants really announced the heavy/speed metal strike force to the world in the winter of 2021 and now the Cadillac driving dinosaurs are back with album number two – the incendiary Fossilized!
Fossilized begins with its title track and Ültra Raptör immediately lay down the blue print for all that is to follow – ripping, melodic speed metal riffs, crisp, punching drums, magnificent choruses and blinding solos that scythe through the heart of the song. It’s a breathless beginning, a massive adrenaline injection and rush of excitement. ‘Spinosaurus’ and ‘Hard ‘n Fast’ follow in quick succession, lead by Phil T. Lung’s incredible high pitched screams and characterful vocals, delivering hooks and melodies to die for. The classic metal sounds of these songs make them feel like old friends after a single listen. They’re not derivative; it’s just that Ültra Raptör seem to have a direct line to the pure essence of metal. Songs like ‘Ptero-Ranger’ make you want to headbang and air guitar like you did in the days before you became jaded and cynical - Ültra Raptör make the magic of metal new again! The quality of Fossilized stays in the stratosphere right to the end with the thundering drums and twisting, turning riffs of ‘Down The Drain’ and the uplifting metal anthem that is ‘Face The Challenge’ with its wonderful chorus. So many great riffs…so many brilliant solos…so many sensational choruses and melodies…Fossilized is the epitome of energized, exhilarating metal. Ültra Raptör have delivered a classic!
Recorded, mixed and mastered by David Lizotte (Saccage, Warning Sign etc) Fossilized has the perfect balance between raw and raging energy and clarity and definition of sound. When you add to that the insane artwork of Mario E. Lopez M (Evil Invaders, Crystal Viper, Heavy Load etc) then you have everything a metal hungry headbanger could ask for. Fighter Records will release Fossilized on October 7th on CD, 12"LP, Cassette & Digital formats and the impact on the metal scene will be seismic! The Raptör is back!
Genre: Heavy/Speed Metal
For Fans Of: Judas Priest | Skullfist | Annihilator | Striker Line-up:
Phil T. Lung - vocals
Criss Raptör – lead guitar
Zoltan Saurus – rhythm guitar
Dick Van Heuß – bass
Tony Bronco – drums
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