Wargrinder - The Seal of Genocide (2012)
Greece
Nykta Records
"The Seal of Genocide" is Wargrinder's debut album and offers 13 tracks of hard-hitting Black/Death Metal from lone-musician, Terry Eleftheriou. Released back in 2012, this is some decidedly enjoyable audio violence, with proud nods to Angelcorpse and Black Witchery. Whilst this album arguably does not quite reach the same level of intensity as the aforementioned hordes, it holds a worthy candle in terms of its unapologetic, raw and mayhemic overtones. The songs are refreshingly rhythmic, with the composer proving himself to be as proficient with riffs as he is with percussion. With an emphasis on catchy riffing, merciless percussion and gutteral vocal passages - this aural assault will irrevocably bombard your senses with its martial-esque tones and unbridled relentlessness. Musically, this record is relatively straight-forward and unashamedly militant, so don't expect to hear any mystical forest black metal. I can confidently say that this is pretty impressive stuff for a one-man project, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear the odd solo thrown in for good measure. The solos are well balanced and thoroughly chaotic in nature. There's much to sink your teeth into here. A well recommended listen. (HT)