Album Review: Mvltifission - Decomposition in the Painful Metamorphosis (2021)

Mvltifission - Decomposition in the Painful Metamorphosis

 

China

 

Rotted Life Records / Pulverized Records / Huangquan Records / Filth Junkies Records

 
When it comes to metal from China, my knowledge of their scene is admittedly not the best, but I would like to add here that Mvltifission released an incredible album back in 2021 that was undoubtedly one of that year’s best. The album harks back to the glory days of death metal, when bands still sounded original and had that obscure, evil sound. Comparisons to Demilich are inevitable, although the band seem to display enough individual chops in their arsenal to set them apart. A focal point of this album is undoubtedly their penchant for writing killer riffs and not sounding like a poor rehash of their influences, producing death metal that is both distinct and well-crafted. The vocals are putrid gutturals straight from the bowels of hell, complimented by bouncy bass riffs, excellent drumming, and dissonant riffs, all with a production that brings to mind Dawn of Possession era Immolation. All in all, if you enjoy bands like Demilich, Immolation and Demigod, then there’s no doubt in my mind that this gloomy slab of underground death is right up your alley.

Album review: Combat Noise - To the Heart of the Battle (2023)

Combat Noise - To the Heart of the Battle

Cuba

Independent

 

Combat Noise is one of the oldest (and also one of the first) death metal bands from Cuba. The band has been around since 1995 and has released a number of demos and full-lengths. The latest album “To the Heart of the Battle” is a truly excellent offering of bludgeoning death metal in the purest sense. The band’s straightforward approach is reminiscent of bands like Bolt Thrower, Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel, although executed with pure passion. Just imagine a more bestial version of Cannibal Corpse, but with war themes. The compositions are well thought out and show a level of experience that can only be achieved by musicians who have been playing music for years. “To The Heart of the Battle” comes highly recommended for fans of death metal, especially those curious about the Cuban scene.

Album review: Negative Plane - The Pact (2022)

Negative Plane - The Pact

 

USA

 

Invictus Productions / The Ajna Offensive

Negative Plane can do no wrong. Their latest album entitled "The Pact" is nothing short of a masterpiece. The band has always had a unique approach to writing riffs and kept the music simple, although enriched with great songwriting. Their ability to weave idiosyncratic elements with black metal is absolutely captivating. These days it's difficult to reinvent the wheel of black metal, and bands that offer something unique are few and far between, though I feel like Negative Plane has succeeded in that department. The music exudes a profoundly sinister atmosphere that feels like demon claws scratching at your soul. Musically, the entire performance is excellent, including the vocals. The production is also perfect. "The Pact" will surely go down in history as a classic. Recommended for fans of church burnings, black magic rituals and serial killers. Stand-out tracks: "A Work to Stand a 1000 Years" "Poison and the Crucifix"

Album review: Complot! - Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière) (2022)

Complot! - Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière) 

Canada

Anti-human Productions

At first glance, one might dismiss Complot! as just another war metal act, although it quickly becomes clear that these Quebecers mean serious business. "Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière)" is their debut album and is as much a black metal album as it is a war metal album. A repugnant atmosphere permeates this recording, giving it a ritualistic feel. The production is also seemingly raw, but not so much that you can't discern individual parts, but more in the sense that they knew what they were doing. The performance is very consistent as each instrument is played with razor sharp precision. One particularly pleasing feature is the mix of pulverizing bass riffs that give the whole thing a rather menacing quality. The vocals are downright evil, while the riffs give the impression of being whipped with chains over and over again. Certainly one of the best albums of the year as far as this style is concerned. Recommended for fans of Naked Whipper, Black Witchery and Blasphemy.

Album review: Fleshrot - Unburied Corpse (2022)

Fleshrot - Unburied Corpse

USA

Me Saco Un Ojo / Desert Wasteland

Fleshrot have successfully summoned the undead with their incredible debut "Unburied Corpse", which is one of the most disgusting releases of 2022. The whole thing completely reeks of death and features pulverizing grooves, putrid vocals and repulsive riffs that would make your mother cry. The unmistakable influence of Finnish death metal runs deep in their maggot-infested veins, albeit with a bit of modern polish. The result is an absolutely sick and satisfying death metal album that warrants multiple spins. The artwork is fantastic as well. If you like bands like Coffins, Krypts and Funebrarum, I highly recommend listening to this album. Stand-out tracks: "Wrapped in Entrails" "Unburied Corpse" "Haunted Sick Depravities"

Album review: Exaltation - Under Blind Reasoning (2022)

Exaltation - Under Blind Reasoning

New Zealand

Sentient Ruin

Exaltation's debut album, "Under Blind Reasoning," is certainly a vicious slab of feral death metal. The hostility of the music has a certain apocalyptic quality, reminiscent of bands like Krisiun, Rebaelliun and Morbid Angel, while it also has some war metal tendencies. It also helps that the production isn't overly polished, giving the music a kind of organic appeal and raw urgency that many new death metal bands lack. Exaltation's strength lies in their ability to compose well-written songs while displaying a high level of aggression that is immediately noticeable. Listening to it, I was reminded of albums like "Black Force Domain," simply due to how ridiculously ferocious and unhinged the music is. It's also refreshing to hear a band that opts for a go-for-the-throat approach instead of conforming to trendy "old-school" gimmicks. Fans of gritty and violent death metal are in for a treat!

Album review: Koldkrypt - Holocauste Global (2022)

Koldkrypt – Holocauste Global

France

Hessian Firm

“Holocauste Global” is the second full-length album by the French black metal powerhouse, Koldkrypt. Their brand of hateful, cold and misanthropic black metal is just what the doctor ordered. The disc is comprised of eight tracks, with drawn-out compositions and an atmosphere cold enough to drop temperatures in your room once you start listening.

Koldkrypt is unlike any other black metal project I’ve heard before, while at the same time sounding familiar without fitting into any particular trend. This isn't orthodox black metal, nor is it second-tier Darkthrone worship, or some war metal-like stuff – it's simply black metal without gimmicks; straight to the point, like a bullet to the head.

There is an epic quality to the riffs on this release, which at times evokes images of medieval battles and castles in some frostbitten kingdom. The atmosphere has an apocalyptic feel to it, combined with well-written compositions and hate-filled vocals.

A lot of emphasis is placed on guitars on this recording, and I must say the guy is really proficient, as he incorporates a lot of intricate melodies that sometimes border on the virtuosity of power metal, but they work well as they convey a lot of depth.

The mix of harsh elements with sombre guitar melodies works well, although don't mistake this for a post-black metal outfit trying to unite people around some lame environmental theme. Here is a quote that illustrates the misanthropic and anti-human nature of the music: 

“The release is driven by hate, but not by hate for any one group of people within society, or the fact that society even exists at all. Typhus X directs caustic hatred towards humanity as a whole, drawing attention to our shortcomings and failures as a species”

In light of that, it should come as no surprise that Typhus X covered Zyklon B's 'Warfare', and to say the cover is sick is an understatement; Koldkrypt's version absolutely honors the original. This record is driven by pure visceral and primal aggression, while also showing a certain level of virtuosity that showcases the phenomenal talent behind this project. Fans of Scandinavian black metal from the '90s will love this project. As I listened to this, I was reminded of bands like Kvist, Arckanum, and Zemial. Even so, Koldkrypt does not sound like those bands, although they do emit a similar energy.

This is apocalyptic, vitriolic, and well-executed black metal that will appeal to those with a disdain for trends and the mainstream. It is time to celebrate the end of your worthless existence with this soundtrack. Rejoice! (HT)

Album review: Bloody Redemption – Infected Minds (2017)

 

Bloody Redemption – Infected Minds

Slovakia

Support Underground

Bloody Redemption is a quartet hailing from  Revúca, Slovakia, playing traditional-styled death metal with a rather clear production. “Infected Minds” is the band’s debut full-length, and it doesn’t look like the band have released any prior material, which is a bit unusual, though it seems the members have some experience in other bands, such as Pyopoesy (hilarious name), Guzzle Booze, and Marturos. Anyway, onto the music.

I would describe Bloody Redemption's style as old-school modern death metal. The influences are obviously taken from classic bands, although the production leans more to the polished side, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Here, it only serves to enhance the already solid performance. In terms of tempo, the band keeps the music in the mid-pace zone, while audible bass lines and solid percussion repeatedly pummel the listener as if he/she were a punching bag. There is a good balance between melodic hooks, technicality, and heaviness in the riffs. The vocals here are guttural growls with some power behind them, which suits the sound of the band.

The debut album, “Infected Minds”, is pretty damn good, though there is always room for improvement. For instance, I think the compositions could use some refinement, and maybe a little more heaviness wouldn't be so bad. The production, while solid, is perhaps a bit too clean for my taste when it comes to death metal, though I can still appreciate the music. Overall, a killer debut album of old-school-inspired death metal by these Slovakian underground fiends. Check it out. (HT)

Album review: Thecondontion – Supercontinent (2020)

 

Thecondontion – Supercontinent (2020)

Italy

I, Voidhanger Records 

Thecondontion is death metal quartet based in Rome, Italy, and “Supercontinent” is their debut full-length from 2020, released by I, Voidhanger. Having reviewed their excellent split with Vessel of Iniquity recently, I decided to review their debut album as well.

The band refers to their style as “prehistoric death metal,” and I absolutely cannot think of a better way to describe their music. Thecondontion can be distinguished from other bands in the sense that they don't have any guitars, instead relying on two bassists to act as guitars. The bass playing is done exceptionally well and features lots of delay and reverb, giving the music a somewhat psychedelic effect. Aside from that, they have a pretty unique sound with plenty of variation in the songwriting.

The overall production is decidedly raw and lean, emphasizing groove by way of lethal bass riffs, which works like a charm. Imagine if bands like Impetigo, Pungent Stench, and The Jesus Lizard were thrown in a blender. That's basically what we have here, even though their music isn't that easy to categorize. The sound and spirit embodied by the band is death metal through and through, and yet they have managed to create something distinctive in a genre in which it’s difficult to invent something new.

The vocals are emphatically harsh and raspy, reminding me of Mark of the Devil from Cultes Des Ghoules. In terms of musicianship, the band proves its worth by displaying a strong sense of craftsmanship and a knack for artistry. Overall, this isn't your typical death metal band, but if you're looking for something creative and different, then look no further. This is a very enjoyable album. Also, those who enjoy bands like Antediluvian, Karnarium and Demilich should check them out. (HT)

Album review: Velka - Purgatori Ignis Ludicium (2022)

Velka - Purgatori Ignis Ludicium

Spain

Base Record Production / Necromance Records

Hailing from the Basque Country (sovereign region in Spain), Velka is an autonomous black metal band and “Purgatori Ignis Ludicium” is their debut album released by Base Record Production & Necromance Records.

The band may refer to their music as black metal, and that’s fair enough considering the overt amount of blasphemous riffs and evil feeling that prevails in their music, but the ferocity they exude also brings to mind extreme black/death by way of old Belphegor, or fast-paced black metal like Impaled Nazarene or Handful of Hate. Musically, Velka is its own entity, and they deliver a strong performance full of power, energy and musicianship to rival with the best.

The first track, “Eternal Hate Awakens”, is a nine-minute stomper that opens this album in brutal fashion, with lightning fast drums, muscular riffs, and vocals that alternate between aggressive rasps and menacing growls.

The rhythmic guitars carry the music, while the drums are nifty and add a good deal of variety. The vocals are perfectly balanced in the mix – not too loud, nor too soft. A mixture of morbid melodies and sledgehammer brutality fills the show with high-octane energy and pure raw rage.

Despite its seven tracks, the average track is about 7-8 minutes long, assaulting the listener with a non-stop barrage of hellfire and brimstone, which is similar to Vital Remains when it comes to lengthy compositions, but in Velka's case, they offer enough variety to keep the listener interested, coupled with an energetic performance and unpolished production that add to the enjoyment of this album. The music itself is pretty straight-forward, although honest and free of gimmicks.

The searing intensity of the music is unquestionable, with a heavier than thou attitude sweeping throughout the album. Considering it's Velka's debut album, it's a solid effort. (HT)

Album review: Caveman Cult - Blood and Extinction (2021)

 

Caveman Cult - Blood and Extinction

USA

Nuclear War Now!

Chaos reigns supreme on Caveman Cult's latest full-length, entitled "Blood and Extinction", released via Nuclear War Now!

On the band's latest album, we are presented with nine tracks of decidedly violent, bestial black/death informed by bands such as Bestial Warlust, Conqueror and Blasphemy, while also blending hardcore punk elements into their sound.

These cavemen manage to achieve a really abrasive sound, as they belch out a torrent of profoundly savage riffs, eminently harsh vocals, as well as chaotic and cavernous drumming that never lets up – all this combined will leave you with bleeding ears, including their penchant for fast and ripping solos, showing their adoration for this style.

The sound of Caveman Cult can easily be distinguished from other bands in this genre due to their rhythmic percussion and signature tempo changes. They also sound considerably more vitriolic than most bands who attempt this style, including the fact that the songs are rather direct, as they eschew anything remotely filler, which makes this a profoundly savage release reminiscent of a band like Conqueror. Moreover, they even employ Conqueror-esque riffs, which are done so well, and not to mention absolutely crushing and heavy as fuck. The production on this release is quite raw, but not in an unintelligible way. It’s actually perfect for this style and really brings out the best sound possible for the band.

As each track storms in and rages with unholy vengeance, the next track follows with a similar intensity. There's enough variety and depth to the music to warrant repeated listens. Anyone into vicious, bestial black/death, or war metal that's executed with absolute inexorable rage will fucking love this release. Recommended to fans of Abysmal Lord, Invultation, and Deiphago. (HT)

Album review: Autokrator - Persecution (2021)

Autokrator - Persecution

France

Krucyator Productions

"Persecution" is the fourth full-length album by the French black/death act Autokrator, which was released earlier this year through Krucyator Productions.

The music can be described as black/death metal replete with horrific nuances that will deeply penetrate your mind and make you feel as though you've crossed a portal into an abysmal realm. An atmosphere of pitch-black darkness permeates this album along with horror-like aesthetics.

Drums are mercilessly fast and sound almost programmed at times. However, it was confirmed they weren't, which makes the performance even more impressive, considering how dynamic the drummer is.

The vocals are very deep and abrasive, yet also well-balanced in the mix. They add a menacing aspect to the music, which further accentuates the heaviness of the riffs and drums. 

The fast and relentless bludgeoning of "De Gloria Martyrum Et Confessorum" will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, while "DCLXVI" features savage vocal lines and nailing percussion that makes it equally devastating in its execution.

As a theme, the album examines the persecutions of Christians in ancient Rome, under the reigns of Diocletian, Marcus Aurelius, Domitian, and Trajan.

The songs have a tendency to blend into each other without the listener noticing it, so you'll be forgiven for thinking that you're still listening to the same track, while the music is well into the third track already. It's not a bad thing. The songs have a very cohesive flow, featuring drawn-out riffs and sinister nuances that will drag your soul into the very depths of hell. That, combined with the onslaught of brutal vocals - all makes Autokrator's latest offering worthwhile, although it is not without its shortcomings: while the album is severely punishing during some parts and gets better with repeated listens, it also has a tendency to drag a bit, particular during the last two tracks, which are a bit more instrumental, but still enjoyable.

Autokrator's approach varies from album to album, and that is what makes them interesting. The sound is cleaner and less cavernous than "Hammer Of The Heretics" without losing any of its relentlessness.

Overall, "Persecution" is a solid album that packs a powerful punch. It is certainly one of the more notable releases of this year and should be investigated by fans of dark and relentless black/death/doom. (HT)

Album review: Loup Noir – Requiem (2021)

Loup Noir – Requiem

France

Death To Peace Productions

Loup Noir ("black wolf") from France is the project of sole musician Alrinack. He seems to be behind a dozen other projects as well, although this is the first of them that I have heard.

"Requiem" consists of six songs of pure black metal with minimalist arrangements and an underproduced sound that suits the music they play.

You can expect nothing less than an auspicious slab of raw black metal done right, as the whole album is replete with compositional depth and an atmosphere that is both melancholic and rich in texture.

Loup Noir has that characteristic French sound, which is always apparent in their music. While I wouldn't claim this to be the next best thing, Loup Noir's music is certainly moving enough to leave an impression on the ears of anyone with a proclivity for true underground black metal.

The interplay between the drums and guitars differs in interesting ways as the music incorporates intriguing passages filled with spooky, yet decidedly melancholic riffs, which in addition is complemented with an array of haunting howls and screams.

The songs range from mid-tempo to slower, more brooding passages, but one thing that is certain is that the flow always feels right, including the fact that each composition flows together seamlessly.

Overall, "Requiem" has a very strong feeling of decadence, in addition to its minimalistic approach giving it an emphatically nostalgic tone. Furthermore, the music has a lot of replay value, with the music hardly wearing off after the first couple of spins. This is simply excellent black metal. (HT)

Death To Peace Productions · Loup Noir - Hymne Guerrier

Album review: Paganfire - Of Deathblades And Bloodsoaked Paths... (2021)

 

Paganfire – Of Deathblades And Bloodsoaked Paths...

The Philippines

Bandcamp

Thrash is definitely not dead, and Paganfire proves this with their latest opus, "Of Deathblades And Bloodsoaked Paths...", which is a total poser holocaust from beginning to end.

Over the years, the band has put out a dozen demos, EPs, and splits, but for some reason, this is only their second full-length. They are definitely an underground band in the true sense of the word.

Paganfire's brand of thrash is unyielding, brutal, and energetic, often defying easy categorization due to sounding rawer and more violent than most bands in the genre. Make no mistake, this is essentially thrash, but with more than a fair share of black/death influences in their sound.

As opener "Bloodsoaked Life" kicks in, guitarists Nonoy and M.A. complement each other with a plethora of cunt-shredding riffs, brutalizing ears with sheer ferocity and precise arrangements. Riffs are aplenty and Paganfire makes good use of them.

Alvaro's screams are fierce, pissed off, and in your face, as he utters every word with intense determination.

Paganfire follows the tradition of having solos in their music, as each track features at least one solo, but also inflicts trauma with Jay's hard-hitting, yet well-played drums and Alvaro's thunderous bass lines. As a whole, each member contributes to the madness, yielding a sickened and furious slab of skull-fucking thrash that will leave you wanting more.

On "Poseurdom Shall Fall" you can hear infernal riffs and screams reminiscent of Sarcofago, while "The Executor is Back" is a fiery track filled with razor-sharp solos and a Slayer-inspired riff towards the end.

The cover art is perfect for this kind of thrash and gives a good indication of the band's sound and ethos.

Paganfire's second album was well worth the wait and features some of the best material they've released so far. In my opinion, "Of Deathblades And Bloodsoaked Paths..." is the best thrash album of the year, and if not, it sure as hell comes close. Check them out if you enjoy Num Skull, Sarcofago, and Demolition Hammer. Apparently, a few labels will release this, although the labels haven't been announced yet. (HT)

Album review: Invultation – Unconquerable Death (2021)

Invultation – Unconquerable Death

USA

Born For Burning Productions (CD) / Sentient Ruin Laboratories (LP)

Hailing from Ohoi, USA, Invultation strike with their second full-length album entitled, "Unconquerable Death", which was released by Born For Burning Productions earlier this year. Andrew Lampe (Echushkya, Longbarrow, The Wakedead Gathering) is the sole musician behind this project.

Musically, the sound leans towards bestial and filthy Black/Death informed by bands such as Teitanblood, Proclamation, and Archgoat. Those who enjoy the aforementioned bands will certainly appreciate what Invultation has to offer, as the music exudes a profoundly blasphemous atmosphere.

Opening track, "Hanged Mass" begins with a short, but sinister ambiance before a roar of pure unbridled chaos plunges the listener into the abyss.

The songs on this release offers a variety of tempos, from mid to hammering fast parts, as well as a series of whore-sodomizing riffs that will have you bang your skull from beginning to end.

Tracks like "Insatiable Cruelty" and "Banners Under The Moon" feature blistering guitar solos that will make your brain explode. As a matter of fact, this whole album is full of sick riffs and frantic solos, which certainly adds a very chaotic aspect to the music, coupled with the mix of insanely deep and evil vocals.

One of the biggest strengths of this album is the compositional depth and consistency of the music. The music is easily distinguished from one track to the next, as there is enough variety to keep it from becoming monotonous.

All in all, "Unconquerable Death" is an apotheosis of filth and darkness, as Invultation offers an arsenal of bestial metal styles that epitomizes the genre. From its killer aesthetics to the artwork to its ominous music, everything about Invultation feels right. (HT)

Album review: Brutal Sphere - World Decomposing by Vermin (2021)

Brutal Sphere - World Decomposing by Vermin

France

Independent

"World Decomposing by Vermin" is the second and latest full-length album from French death metal band Brutal Sphere, which will be released independently by the band on 17th December.

Now, I haven't heard their first album (yet), but the band seems to have new members in their line-up, including Nick on vocals, whom I interviewed in regards to his label, Hessian Firm.

The music presented here is death metal through and through, as guitarist Pierre belches out an array of unholy riffs that will tear your soul apart.

The track "Death Is Just The Beginning" features a killer mid-tempo and some verily evil vocal effects, while "Declaration of War" mixes a somber atmosphere with crushing riffs. The aforementioned track has a slight blackened feel to it.

I really like the vocals. They're powerful and filled with aggression. From vicious growls to blood-curdling screams, the vocals are well arranged and balanced in the mix.

A good deal of creativity is present in the songs, which keeps them interesting and entertaining throughout their duration.

This album contains some good bass playing from Olivier. His bass is thick, well played, and always audible, as exemplified by the track "Sphere of Evil".

The drumming is pretty basic for the most part but provides fitting tempos and some great double bass to go with the various arrangements.

The drums and bass complement each other in a way that reminds me of Bolt Thrower, but there are also riff segments that resemble Cianide, especially the track "Trinity," which is a near six-minute track filled with stomping riffs.

The artwork appears to resemble wormlike creatures from another planet, which is presumably the sphere referred to in the band's name.

Overall, "World Decomposing by Vermin" is an excellent release from these French death metallers, which will undoubtedly earn them some acclaim. Recommended. (HT)

Album review: Cathaaria – Coin of the Realm (2021)

Cathaaria – Coin of The Realm

Finland

Esoteric Tradition

Cathaaria is the blackened Sludge/Doom project of Matron Thorn (Benighted In Sodom, Death Fetishist, etc.) and “Coin of The Realm” is his debut album. There are six songs in total, and most of the tracks are pretty lengthy, save for the intro. From the beginning of “Real Country Dark” I could detect the signature Matron Thorn style, which is poured all over this release. While I would be reluctant to call this an extreme metal record, there’s certainly metallic nuances in the music. Essentially, the music is pretty dark, and bleak, as well as atmospheric. The whiskey-ridden vocals pair well with the sludgy guitars and horror-like ambiance.

The following excerpt is taken from the band’s bandcamp page:

“Matron Thorn presents Cathaaria, Lovecraftian Sludge Doom for serial murder, the fetishistic and mentally ill. Music for the old ways, the lost and forbidden. For best results, pair with whiskey and morphine.”

Admittedly, I love the artwork. It’s more than applicable for this type of music. Musically, it's not bad for a first album, but I don't think Cathaaria has reached its full potential yet. Though the album works best when absorbed as a whole, I just don't think the songs are strong enough when picked out individually. I'm no self-proclaimed "expert," but I think I would've enjoyed it more if the guitars were heavier and more menacing, and if metallic elements were more prominent. Then again, Cathaaria’s debut isn’t terribly offensive to these ears either, and even exhibits some redeeming qualities that people into Black/Death will appreciate. However, one must bear in mind that it's definitely good for what it is.

Overall, I think people into psychedelic, dark and experimental music might appreciate this, especially if you like bands such as Danzig, Acid Bath, or even Blut Aus Nord, because that’s what Cathaaria sounds like more or less – like a warped mix of the aforementioned acts, but more low-key. Worth checking out. (HT)

Album review: Vox Mortis - Avignam Jagat Samagram (2021)

Vox Mortis - Avignam Jagat Samagram

Indonesia

Cerberus Productions

Vox Mortis from Indonesia may have taken inspiration from Cattle Decapitation since they have songs like "Forever No to Dog Meat". This band appears to have a pro-animal stance, as it is evident in their themes. I was expecting to hear something slam-like and brutal prior to playing this album, and that is exactly what I heard considering that Brutal Death Metal is quite popular in Indonesia. The thing that amazes me about that whole scene is that, while it might not be my favorite subgenre, the Indonesians have a knack for performing it and play it with absolute fervor. Vox Mortis' debut album, "Avignam Jagat Samagram", is a gnarly slab of brutal death metal infused with slamming grooves and grating grind sensibilities. As expected with most bands in this genre, the production is relatively clean, but on the other hand, it fits the style rather well.

There is no doubt that these guys are accomplished musicians since the music is bursting with rapid blasts, heavy bass lines and lightning-fast riffs. A few of the tracks also feature keyboards, giving the music a slight symphonic touch. The cover art is quite comical since it shows a monstrous dog about to wreak havoc on humanity. I love dogs, so I'm pretty sure that dog on the cover will spare my life. This will definitely appeal to fans of bands such as Suffocation, Cattle Decapitation, and Abominable Devourment. Good stuff. (HT)

Album review: Hunters Moon – The Great Pandemonium (2021)

Hunters Moon – The Great Pandemonium

Australia

Hells Headbangers

Australia’s Hunters Moon will release their debut album, "The Great Pandemonium", through Hells Headbangers on 11th November 2021. It contains eight tracks and 39 minutes of hellish, traditional black metal that slays on all fronts. Although the band has been around since 2006, they have only released a demo, EP, and now this, their debut LP.

“The Great Pandemonium” offers an array of blasphemous black metal reminiscent of Dissection, which is infused with a lethal dose of black/thrash goodness typical of the Aussies. You may also hear some elements that are "familiar." If you know bands like Destroyer 666 and Denouncement Pyre, imagine a deadly mix of Dissection and those bands, and you get an idea of what Hunters Moon sounds like. In contrast to war metal, this is overly-endowed darkness worshipping black metal that favours well-written riffs and clever craftsmanship over chaotic tropes.

Each song is characterized by varied yet outstanding drumming, merciless riffs, and venomous vocal barks that will chew you up and spit you out in fucking chunks. In my opinion, Hunters Moon has released one of the finest albums of the year with "The Great Pandemonium." Another thing that makes the band great is that while the band essentially plays black metal, there is no shortage of traditional metal elements in their sound.

From the war anthem “Storm of Hail And Fire” to the blustery cacophony of “Rebellion” there isn’t one bad track, just track after track of triumphant black metal fury. As a whole, this album is ridiculously enjoyable (and heavy!) and has a lot of replay value, including the fact that it’s packed with absurdly sick riffs and powerful, yet utterly aggressive vocals. It would be an understatement to say that it comes highly recommended. (HT)