Album review: Dearthe – Dispirited Obscurity (2020)

Dearthe – Dispirited Obscurity

Australia

Third Eye Temple

Dearthe from New South Wales, Australia, released their debut album last year entitled, "Dispirited Obscurity" which is a bleak and harrowing assault of abyssic black/death.

It seems that "Dispirited Obscurity" went somewhat under the radar, as the music on said album is nothing short of excellent, including the fact that the band features members from well-known bands like Temple Nightside, Ill-omen and Vesicant. There's even a killer cover of Demoncy's "Hypocrisy of the Accursed Heavens" which should tell you a lot about where the band stands in terms of sound and influences.

The music conjures a sinister atmosphere that is both profound and hypnotic, as it overtakes the listener with a series of apocalyptic riffs and eerie howls that sound like they emanate from some torture chamber in hell.

The bass is quite notable in the mix and pairs well with the riffs and drums. There are some melodic segments scattered throughout, although they are essentially morbid sounding.

If opaque and murky black/death is your thing, then "Dispirited Obscurity" should be right up your alley, as it is the perfect embodiment of this style. (HT)

Album review: Vrykolakas - And Vrykolakas Brings Chaos and Destruction (2021)

Vrykolakas – And Vrykolakas Brings Chaos and Destruction

Singapore

Dark Blasphemies Records (CD) / Vidar Records (12’ Vinyl) / Sadist Records (CD/Tape)

I'm not gonna lie, I've only recently came across the name Vrykolakas while accepting promo submissions, and I have to say that the band and the album in question are certainly a nasty surprise considering the level of depth that encompass the songs on this Singaporean band's latest album, "And Vrykolakas Brings Chaos And Destruction".

This whole album is solidly executed death metal through and through with razor-sharp riffing, which brings to mind the best of bands like Morbid Angel, Mortem, Sadistic Intent and even more modern bands like Necros Christos (especially when it comes to the vocals). I have heard a fair share of bands from Singapore, and I can safely assert without a doubt that Vrykolakas is one of the best I have heard from that country.

The new album is a punishing affair of pummeling death metal that blows you away with brutal and sick riffs. It sounds like they put a lot of effort into the construction of the riffs, as the guitarist is basically a damn riff machine. It's incredible to think that the band only consists of three members, considering the finely crafted output. The drummer displays a nice variety of beats and fills and I must be frank, the production suits the music in this case as it gives it a very crisp, clear and powerful sound. Every segment on this album complements each other as the music is exceptionally well-put together and fun to listen to. The vocalist emits a perfect mid-range growl reminiscent of none other than Mors Dalas Ra of Necros Christos. 

The compositions are also quite lengthy, yet never gets dull for a second, as each song is replete with an array of killer riff phrases, devilish vocal lines and top-notch drumming that hits harder than a train at full speed. That being said, if you want to hear one of the best death metal albums of 2021, then do not hesitate to check out this beast. It's worth picking up and I can not recommend it enough. (HT)

Album review: Svartsyn – Requiem (2020)

Svartsyn – Requiem

Sweden

Carnal Records

Sweden's Svartsyn is one of those bands you cannot possibly get tired of listening to due to the unequivocal quality of their output. They embody everything that black metal is about: ideologically, musically, artistically – and they have never conformed to any insipid trends or given a damn about impressing the audience with "pretty" tunes to get groupies or anything like that. They are also one of the few bands that can change their sound from album to album and still sound coherent and worthwhile without repeating themselves. Each album presents a new identity while still staying within the confines of the genre. Last year's “Requiem” is a prime example of this. 

The band once again shows their knack for finely crafted morbid metal that exudes an inherent and universal hatred for everything and everyone. That's the feeling you get when you listen to this album. It doesn't get any blacker than that. On "Requiem", the band emits a very oppressive and crushing atmosphere that is almost a little doomy to some degree, but that's mainly due to the immensely dense production. It just goes to show how proficient the band is at crafting a really eerie and unholy atmosphere which pairs well with the ominous mid-tempo of the music.

 

It's very intense and peppered with excellent riffs and interesting counterpoints. The drumming on this album is pretty tight, with lots of inventive fills and fast pounding that sounds pretty damn menacing when combined with the bass and the soul-piercing riffs. The vocals are somewhere between a rasp and an acute scream, yet hateful and full of emotion. In short, they are effective and fitting to the music. The atmosphere of this album can be described as gloomy, but also apocalyptic and sinister. The bass is also well-executed and can be heard throughout the mix; it definitely adds depth and gives it a very devilish sound. 

Each song on "Requiem" is outstanding and can be enjoyed on its own, although the album is best experienced as a whole and is most impressive that way. This was one of my personal favourite albums from 2020, and I recommend it to anyone with good taste, or if you like other great black metal bands like Antaeus, Katharsis, and A.M.S.G. (HT)

Album review: Detest - We Will Get What We Deserve (2021)

Detest - We Will Get What We Deserve

Denmark

Emanzipation Productions

Back In 1994, Danish death metallers Detest released a classic album entitled "Dorval," which is an underrated gem in the pantheon of '90s death metal that embraced sci-fi themes before it was even a thing. 27 years later, the band returns with an updated line-up, save for the bassist, who is the only original member left. The new album "We Will Get What We Deserve" is quite different compared to "Dorval", although one thing is certain: the lads made absolutely sure that the record lives up to the Detest name and crush the listener without mercy. The compositions on "We Will Get What We Deserve" are well put together and display a good deal of compositional depth. The production is somewhat modern sounding, although the music is pure old-school death metal through and through, as the band continuously belch out an array of pounding grooves and frenzied solos. References can be made to bands like early Grave, Obituary and Asphyx. The whole album is chock full of pulverizing riffs, heavy low-end and bludgeoning tempos that will leave you bloodied and bruised. Interestingly, the lyrics on this album seem more social in nature and a departure from 1994’s sci-fi themes from “Dorval.” Admittedly, I haven’t heard their 2019 EP yet, although I intend on giving it a listen soon. Overall, "We Will Get What We Deserve" is a pretty excellent return to form and comes recommended to fans of chunky, old-school death metal, especially fans of the bands mentioned earlier in this review. I also highly encourage the reader to check out their classic “Dorval” album from 1994 if you consider yourself a fan of death metal at all. (HT)

Album review: Black Winged Goat Messiah - Satanic Morbid Lust (2021)

Black Winged Goat Messiah - Satanic Morbid Lust

Cuba

Mara Productions

Black Winged Goat Messiah is an evil manifestation from the blackest depths of Cuba, playing bestial Satanic Black Metal. There's some great bands coming out of Cuba and Black Winged Goat Messiah are part of that phenomenon. From the get-go, the music continually assaults the listener with sadistic riffs, profane vocals and hard-hitting drums, conjuring up an atmosphere that is utterly unholy – this is 100% pure Satanic Black Metal with absolutely no reprieve. There are notable references to bands like Archgoat, Urgehal and Von. They also cover "Watain" by Von, and I have to say, it's pretty damn good. There's also a good bit of traditional metal influence, especially with the guitar solos throughout. Everything was recorded by Conspirator, who is also behind other great bands like Shrine ov Absurd and Skjult. Everything that Conspirator touches turns to gold, and Black Winged Goat Messiah is no exception. Fans of the aforementioned bands should definitely give Black Winged Goat Messiah from Cuba a listen – you will not be disappointed. The album is due for release on CD by Mara Productions from Poland. (HT)

Album review: Adventum Diaboli - Ο Λόγος Του Σκότους: Chapter I (2021)

 

Adventum Diaboli - Ο Λόγος Του Σκότους: Chapter I

Greece

Independent

Aventum Diaboli from Greece plays atmospheric black metal with occult themes. The music emphasises atmosphere and sometimes borders on post-black metal with its ambient guitar sensibilities. The vocals are heavily distorted and sound kind of cool. The music is not particularly captivating, as I have heard dozens of similar sounding bands before, but it's not bad either. What I like about it is that the atmosphere gives off this ancient feel reminiscent of second wave black metal. The songs are pretty simplistic in structure, but still well put together and easy to get into. There's definitely a good bit of Norse black metal influences in their sound despite the fact they're from Greece. If the lyrics were not in Greek, I would probably have thought the band was from Norway. I had the patience to sit through the record in its entirety, so that itself should attest to the fact that the music isn't terribly offensive, although I've definitely heard better sounding black metal bands from Greece. (HT)

Album review: Maze of Terror - Offer To The Fucking Beasts (2021)

Maze of Terror – Offer To The Fucking Beasts

Peru

Xtreem Music

Peruvian death thrash maniacs Maze of Terror release their second album and follow up to 2016's ripper "Ready To Kill". The latest work is a convincing and ferocious display of skull-shredding thrash infused with sheer aggression as well as some new dynamics at work. 

It seems the band have evolved their sound a little and added more atmosphere this time around, although the vocals are still as hostile-sounding as ever. Each track is packed with pounding riffs, hard-hitting drums and heavy bass lines, while hateful vocals are belched over the explosion of noise.

There are also plenty of lethal guitar solos scattered throughout the album, lightning fast and full of morbid emotion. I really like the way the drums are played and sound on this album. It does not sound overproduced or too dry, but has just the right amount of bite for a thrash album. Also, the main tempo of the music is a little faster than mid-paced and pairs well with the ferocity of the music. 

There is an abundance of head-banging riffs, indicating the band's propensity for violent, old-school metal. The band cites bands like Massacra, Sarcofago, and Protector as influences, so that alone can attest to the fact that this is no pussy thrash. 

Overall, “Offer To The Fucking Beasts” is a deadly album on all fronts and comes highly recommended to fans of gritty and uncompromising Death/Thrash. (HT)

Album review: Kaeck – Het Zwarte Dictaat (2021)

Kaeck – Het Zwarte Dictaat

The Netherlands

Folter Records (CD) / Hessian Firm (Cassette)

The Dutch trio Kaeck strikes again with their second album "Het Zwarte Dictaat" featuring two members from the mighty Sammath. Those with a penchant for second wave black metal will undoubtedly find solace in the hellish overtones of "Het Zwarte Dictaat" as the band churns out a series of hefty riffs and scornful vocals. The atmosphere conjured on this album brings to mind something profane and utterly malevolent, coupled with a simplicity that is true to black metal. There is nothing overly technical on this album, though everything is executed exceptionally well as the band shows their knack as songwriters. Keyboards are used sporadically throughout the album to add an extra layer of ambiance, giving it a rather sinister twang. At its best, "Het Zwarte Dictaat" is primarily a black metal album, somewhat reminiscent of war metal with its volatile and crushing atmosphere. The music manages to incorporate a variety of dynamic tempos while maintaining a good balance. The bass is prominent and adds to the heaviness of the album, while the drums are mostly mid-tempo but well executed. I have always been of the opinion that music sounds better (and more expressive) when performed in one's native tongue, and that's exactly the case here, as the vocals are performed in Dutch. If you are a fan of good black metal, then you should listen to Kaeck! (HT)

Album review: Dagtum – Revered Decadence (2021)

Dagtum – Revered Decadence

The Philippines

Eastbreath Records / BRC-30 Productions

It is bad luck that the power went out as I am about to write this review. Loadshedding is common in my country. Fortunately, my laptop was fully charged before it happened. Now I'm sitting here in the dark listening to Dagtum, a Filipino band that plays dissonant and weird death metal with sludge elements. I guess the darkness surrounding me adds to the experience of listening to this band's debut album, "Revered Decadence", as the album is brimming with darkness and has a decadent atmosphere. The music itself is not really fast, but mostly moves at a slow to mid tempo full of off-kilter riffs that brings to mind a slower Immolation. The sound is also fairly reminiscent of a band like Ulcerate, including that nailing double bass that is used sporadically to add intensity. The drums are quite prominent and can be heard clearly in the mix, as can the bass. The band churns out some hard-hitting riffs and captivates the listener with a truly dense atmosphere. Three bands come to mind when listening to Dagtum: Immolation, Gorguts and Ulcerate. Whether they are influenced by these bands or not, I do not know, but the trace elements and comparisons are undeniable. Dagtum are definitely on the right track, and the debut album certainly has some truly captivating moments. The whole album glides through a series of seemingly quirky riffs and polyrhythmic segments, but they are pared down enough to maintain a certain level of cohesion. There's a lot of detail, but it's also easy to follow, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It took me about three tracks to get the gist of their music, so for the average listener, patience is a virtue. “Revered Decadence” will be released on 30th of August via Eastbreath Records and BRC-30 Productions. (HT)

Album review: Adarrak - Ex Oriente Lux (2021)

Adarrak - Ex Oriente Lux 

Singapore

Satanath Records

Adarrak is an international trio based in Singapore with members hailing from countries such as Spain, Colombia and Singapore. The band plays Death Metal and Ex Oriente Lux is their debut album, released earlier this year by Satanath Records.

The music on Adarrak's debut album is modern death metal through and through, including the fact that the production is as clean as a whistle, but that seems to work in their favour because that's what they were going for. Just like the previous band I reviewed, I am not a huge fan of this clean sounding production and modern death metal, including the clean vocals on some of the songs. It sounds like something taken from the Roadrunner roster, like Trivium. I don't like Trivium. Anyway, on the plus side: The music is well crafted and it definitely sounds like these guys know how to play their instruments, as each track is peppered with crunchy instrumental parts and brain-melting progressive leads. The vocalist gives off a growl that falls somewhere between metalcore and death metal, which is not surprising considering he previously sang in a metalcore band. It's fine, although I generally prefer different growls. If you like melodic death metal with clear production and prog influences, you should definitely give this band a listen, because if I am honest, the music is good, it's just not something I generally listen to. “Ex Oriente Lux” can be obtained through Satanath Records on CD. (HT)

Album review: Bloody Sadism - Eloquent Atrocity (2019)

Bloody Sadism – Eloquent Atrocity

Iran

Base Record Production

You must have some balls to be from a country like Iran and play in a metal band, considering that people from there have been prosecuted for their involvement in heavy metal-related activities. It's fucking stupid, and religion as a whole is a cancer (especially monotheistic religions) and should be abolished, along with all its prophets for committing to such pernicious propaganda, but I digress. 

Bloody Sadism is a solo project from Iran playing Brutal/Slamming Death Metal and while I am generally not really into this style, I can at least appreciate the band's output to some extent and respect the fact that they come from a country like Iran and have the guts to play this kind of music.

"Eloquent Atrocity" is the debut album by Bloody Sadism, which contains 10 tracks of skull pounding brutality. The album was released by Spain's Base Record Production on CD in 2019.

The whole disc has a squeaky clean production, which I have noticed is quite common for this style (I generally prefer a rawer sound). The guitar sound is verily clear, and the riffs are pretty easy to pick out. The vocals are rather typical of this style – deep and guttural – but well done and not lacking in execution. Each track is well recorded, featuring a series of cookie monster vocals and heavy slam parts, coupled with themes involving misogyny, gore, and of course sadism. There's nothing remarkably unique about it, though it's good for what it is.

All in all, if you are a fan of this kind of brutal/slamming death metal and want to hear some heavy and groovy shit with themes about killing woman, then you should definitely listen to Bloody Sadism. (HT)

Album review: Cambion - Conflagrate The Celestial Refugium (2021)

Cambion - Conflagrate The Celestial Refugium

USA

Lavadome Productions

“Conflagrate The Celestial Refugium” is the debut album from these Texas based maniacs and is a profoundly hard-hitting and militant slab of Black/Death. The musicianship on this album is as tight as it gets, including the fact that the music is utterly ferocious, with the bulk of the music consisting of blazing fast drums, shredding riffs, and evil vocals that are more akin to black metal. Essentially, the output has more in common with death metal (at least musically), although there is a fair amount of black metal in their veins, at least in terms of atmosphere. In my opinion, anyone who likes bands like Angelcorpse, Force of Darkness and Infernal War will go absolutely nuts over this, as this album delivers the goods. I'm not saying the band sounds like the aforementioned bands, but they are definitely on par with them in terms of intensity. The music is truly fast for the most part. But not in a bland sense, as each track is peppered with tempo changes and solos that make the music way more interesting than the usual "fast-all-the-time" brutal black/death band. There is enough variety in the songs to maintain a consistent flow and not become repetitive. Slower parts are well interspersed and used to break up the intensity a bit while still keeping it relentless and crushing. I have read a few comments comparing Cambion to Angelcorpse, which is fair enough, though they are far from being called "Angelcorpse worship" as they have a sound all their own that is easily identifiable when you actually listen to their music. There are a myriad of interesting and razor-sharp, flesh-piercing solos, and it's even more impressive considering the band only consists of three members, and considering all the chaos you're being subjected to literally comes from one guitarist backed by a maniacal battery, incendiary drumming and hate spewing vocals. The bass is also very involved in the mix and makes a valuable contribution to the execution. It's a thorough and well-executed display of bludgeoning and vicious black/death that deserves to be heard and is a prime example of proper American black/death. Cambion fucking slays! (HT)

Album review: Kalmo - Gehinnom (2021)

Kalmo - Gehinnom

Finland

Sliptrick Records

Kalmo is a Finnish one-man project playing a kind of Black/Doom with a very distinct Finnish vernacular, especially with the vocals, which are thick and expressive. Neither a growl, nor a clean vocal. The music overall has a pretty dark feel to it, and the songs are mostly slow as the riffs create patterns that do not really pick up speed and mostly stay the same the whole time. The vocals definitely take some getting used to, and I think if the vocals were more aggressive, or if they were actual tortured screams, the project would have sounded 10 times more interesting. However, one should not disregard the fact that the band is still in its development phase. And I can even find some enjoyable elements in their sound, especially with the riffing style, which I think if the band continues to develop, they can really come up with a strong effort and sound of their own. The total length of this album clocks in at 27 minutes. If you have the patience to sit through such a length and endure such a slow style of Blackened Doom music, then you should definitely give it a listen. Not bad, but I think the band has the potential to improve. (HT)

Album review: Nexwomb – Exegesis of Nihility (Reissue 2020)

Nexwomb – Exegesis of Nihility

USA

Morbid Chapel Records (CD) / Nihilistic Noise Propaganda (Tape)

 

This is the first album from Oregon's Nexwomb, which embodies nothing and nothing less than pure Black/Death savagery spawned from the very depths of hell. The songs on this album can be characterized by its immensely cavernous production, complemented by a series of explosive and well-played riffs that keep you interested while constantly bombarding you with caveman violence from beginning to end. There is a hint of dissonance in the riffs that adds an extra layer of murk to the overall experience, while the drums constantly pound your skull with brute force. The vocals are so incredibly feral that you wonder if it's even a human and not some mutant cave beast behind the mic, though metal archives will confirm that it's a human who goes by the name Vardlokker and who is also behind killer projects like Witchbones and Conduit of Chaos. “Exegesis of Nihility” is an extremely ferocious pursuit of barbaric Black/Death that is both impossibly primal and viscerally enjoyable for those who dig this kind of stuff. Some idiots on the internet will attempt to sound lofty by calling this "caverncore", but you should never listen to them, because most of those who use these terms are usually self-absorbed hipsters who have nothing better to do than spout pseudo-intellectual nonsense on the internet all day. This is violent and bestial black/death metal. Simple as that. (HT)

Album review: Rottenbroth - Necroceremony Vomitorum (2021)

 

Rottenbroth - Necroceremony Vomitorum

Brazil

Awakening Records

What a way to start a death metal album! Just listen to the opening riff of "Necroceremony Vomitorum" and tell me it does not blow you away! It's the fuel you need to get into their sound and get a sense of Rottenbroth's potential.

No one can deny the musical quality that a country like Brazil possesses. We all know the reputation of this country and it's impressive how this quality has been maintained over time and how Brazil continues to produce a great number of incredible bands. Here is proof of that.

When you see cover art like this, the first thing you imagine is that it's a Slamming Brutal Death Metal band or a similarly cataloged subgenre, though you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that this is not the case. In fact, I'd say it's a rare breed of death/doom, influenced by bands like Asphyx and Autopsy. At first the vocals may sound a bit strange, but after a while you will get used to it and realize that the singer is a real beast with a very well mastered technique. He can shape his voice the way you want him to. But what I like most is how he screams those high notes. They are insane! As always, not everyone will like it (I even found people making fun of it), but they can go to hell! Or wherever they want. He has a way of singing that seems to spew slime and vomit in every word. It is truly disgusting and brutally nauseating with all the creeping undertones that characterize his style.

As for the rest of the band, I like the sound they have achieved. It's decent for what they are proposing. All the instruments can be heard at the same level. It's very well balanced and the fetid smell of death metal can be detected in every aspect They have a distinct old school style. I did not find one boring track on this album. Even my favorite "Carcass Epidemic" had me raving. I think it's the fucking hymn on this album. Excellent for letting the listener's mind wander.

If you want to hear some truly putrid, yet heavy as fuck mid-tempo death metal, this is the band for you! I assure you it will be a great experience! (Catacombs Walker)

Album review: Riexhumation – The Final Revelation of Abaddon (2021)

 

Riexhumation – The Final Revelation of Abaddon

Italy

Lavadome Records

RIEXHUMATION is an Italian death metal band formed in 2009. “The Final Revelation of Abaddon” is their debut LP and fourth overall release in the band's 11 year life span.

This record most certainly does not follow the modern trend of non-stop slowed down old-school death worship – this stuff is blisteringly fast, heavy production, high gain tremolo riffing, and hate-filled gutturals on top of everything. This is a solid straight-forward death metal album with an evil occult touch to it. This album sounds like a mix between Swedish and US old-school death metal, which is quite prominent during some parts, giving the whole thing a very distinct sound. The album has a very evil atmosphere inspired by the Stockholm school of death metal, but with an American-sounding production, especially with the vocals.

A mix between slower, mid-paced, and ripping blast-beat sections is quite evenly spread out. The tempo changes feel fresh every time they do occur. Though this brand of death metal has the feel of death metal from 1990 to 1998, it does an excellent job of being its own master. This is a worthy release for any death metal connoisseur to listen to as it brings a well-rounded and sinister listening experience to the table, with competent musicianship and songwriting throughout. (AR)

Album review: Idolatry - In Nomine Mortis (2019)

 

Idolatry – In Nomine Mortis

Canada

Humanity’s Plaque Productions

Hailing from the depths of Alberta, Canada, the black metal warriors known as Idolatry release their second album, entitled "In Nomine Mortis." The album was released in 2019, and I do not think I have seen much feedback for it. Idolatry’s music takes inspiration from various wings of black metal, as you can hear elements from both the second-wave and more contemporary acts. The album opens with a cold acoustic interlude that sets the tone before all hell breaks loose and the listener is assaulted with a series of unholy riffs and demonic shrieks that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. “In Nomine Mortis” is full of good songs that are impressive in terms of craftsmanship. The overall sound of this album has a very clear second-wave feel and atmosphere, which is especially evident in the riffs. The singer has a very sharp and piercing scream that fits well with their style. The production allows all the instruments to be heard, although I would have liked to hear a little more low-end. It sounds like music that was carefully and thoughtfully composed. All in all, this is a well-crafted black metal album and a solid entry from Canada. (HT)

Album review: Kyy – Beyond Flesh – Beyond Matter – Beyond Death (Reissue 2020)

 Kyy – Beyond Flesh – Beyond Matter – Beyond Death

Finland

Morbid Chapel Records (tape) / Saturnal Records (CD) / The Clandestine Coven (Vinyl)

"Beyond Flesh - Beyond Matter - Beyond Death" marks the debut album from Finnish black metal institution Kyy and was unleashed in 2016. I am tasked with reviewing most promos that are sent to me (which are digital, in case you were wondering), and in this case, Morbid Chapel Records re-released this album in 2020 on cassette.

The music presented on Kyy's debut is definitely quite strong; each song is well-structured and features a number of infectious riffs, combined with the band's penchant for hateful nuances that induce a sense of dread. The production is well mixed throughout and has the perfect balance between harsh and clear. It's a good production without sounding plastic. The music evokes different tempos and seems to excel during the slower, more mid-paced parts before striking your skull with a fast, breakneck riff and drum beat. Everything sounds rather cohesive, including the fact that the music is easy to get into. Some of the riffs are mercilessly intense and the atmosphere unearthly dark, which is of course a good thing for any fan of black metal. The singer unleashes a piercing bark that is occasionally punctuated with some duelling vocals. The whole thing is downright aggressive. There are some really catchy moments, even sweeping melodies, although they don't linger for too long and are executed in a creative sense. In fact, the whole album is heavy as hell and exude a verily menacing atmosphere.

Kyy definitely deliver on their debut album, as it is a solid release through and through, coupled with the fact that they don't sound like most Finnish black metal bands and have their own sound. The closest comparison I can think of (and which probably isn't even that accurate) is Front (also from Finland). This album is definitely a grower and gets better with every spin. Recommended to fans of good black metal! (HT)

Album review: Azath - Through a Warren of Shadow (2020)

Azath - Through a Warren of Shadow

USA

Pulverised Records

After their first demo in 2018, the band returns from the cesspool of exhumation with this dark and evil debut album in the final and chaotic year of 2020.

Relentless death metal practitioners fueled with great technique and insane fury. They also show us a strong influence of Black Metal and even Thrash Metal in their compositions. I read that many didn't like the sound of the drums. It's true that the production isn't the best, but are they sick in the head? It sounds really beastly and it's the right sound for what the band is proposing to us. It's underground, not overproduced shit. At the end of the day, I think this is the sound we like the most. In my opinion, the battery is like a machine gun. The drummer fires all the time with that killer snare, and the bass does its job very well, amplifying the power of the sound. The riffs are sharp as a sword. There is a lot of technique in their execution. The music is very well thought out and accomplished. Everything has meaning and they are always trying to connect the parts of the song together so that they explode along with the other instruments, while the slow parts are incorporated with melodies expressed as disturbing laments from beyond. For fans of Dead Congregation, Cruciamentum, Grave Miasma. (Catacombs Walker)

Album review: Insanity - Psicosis (2020)

Insanity - Psicosis

Colombia

Ritos de Muerte Radio Extrema

Formed in 2001 and after a series of EPs and two compilations, Colombians Insanity finally unleash their debut album upon the masses with "Psicosis". Admittedly, the material is pretty standard for the genre, though the execution and musicianship are undeniably good. The production is comprehensible and appropriately clear, fitting for the style they play. The display of technical prowess, heavy groove and bludgeoning brutality is reminiscent of bands like Skinless, Prostitute Disfigurement and Necrophagist. I think fans of the aforementioned bands, especially those who are into modern death metal, will definitely enjoy this. "Psicosis" is a solid debut album with 9 tracks of well-crafted death metal that hits you like a hammer blow to the skull. (HT)