Album review: Deconsekrated - Ascension in the Altar of Condemned (2024)

 

Deconsekrated - Ascension in the Altar of Condemned

Chile

Iron, Blood and Death Corporation (CD) / Alkolik Holocaust Records (CD) / Ancient Sounds of Madness Productions (Cassette)

 

“Ascension in the Altar of Condemned” is an absolutely scorching debut by Deconsekrated, a quartet from Chile playing blasphemous death metal. The band has been active since 2020, and previously released an impressive two-track demo, the material of which was later re-released as a three-way split, including a stand-alone single. “Ascension…” is their strongest material to date by all means, as the members gained a wealth of experience playing in other black/death/thrash bands, such as Cryptic, Abhorior, and Profanación Sepulcral, among others. All of this experience contributed to the quality of their latest outing.
 
The strong, but detailed production on this release adds a layer of venomous potency to the music and makes all the parts shine forth, without each overpowering the other. Musically, there are some similarities to bands like Morbid Angel, Dead Congregation, Mortem; and even though the style is somewhat familiar, Deconsekrated does a good job at elevating the experience with a display of utmost ferocity and well-crafted arrangements.
 
The brute force of the compositions pounds you like a sledgehammer to the skull, as each track is executed with vigor. Songs like “Ancestral Voice” and “Spectral Rites” are instant bangers, and convey a feeling of absolute darkness by beating the listener into submission. The aggressive vocals are perfectly employed, and are backed by intense drumming and hellish riffs that leaves the listener gasping for air by the end of the record. Everything is well-orchestrated and delivered with conviction. And even though some of the songs are quite lengthy, the music maintains depth and engages the listener.
 
Their style is relatively straight-forward, but the dense production gives the whole experience a very crushing and heavy sound. The drums were given particular attention during the mixing process and is certainly a highlight of the album; ranging from rapid blast-beats, to galloping, mid-tempo beats, they give this album a strong backbone. The precision of the double-bass ties the drumming and all of the instrumentation together.
 
Overall, this is a solid offering from the Chileans that I found myself going back to over and over again. The only minor gripe I have with this release is its length. With today’s storage technology, an “album” of 28 minutes in length is almost inexcusable; however, it is better to produce a quality short album than a mediocre album with filler songs. Aside from this one minor complaint, there are no real flaws to speak of. Deconsekrated is a promising up-and-comer that I look forward to hearing more from in the future. Fans of dark and heavy-hitting death metal should check it out. (Jim)

EP review: Funeralis - Hoc est Lvx mea Spiritvs Libero (Reissue 2021)

Funeralis - Hoc est Lvx mea Spiritvs Libero

Chile

Spreading The Pest Productions

Spreading The Pest Productions have just recently reissued this fantastic EP from 2014 by Chilean Occult Black Meta1llers, Funeralis. The new reissue also features 5 extra songs that were unpublished before, which makes it even more essential. 

The ambience on this release is absolutely dismal, paired with cadences of haunting dissonance and hoarse vocals. Lyrics seem to deal with themes pertaining to luciferianism and Gnosis, which gives the whole thing a very clandestine atmosphere. I’ve heard more than a fair share of similar sounding bands, so it’s not terribly unique or anything, but it has its appeal. The song “Ascensión” features a transcendental riff and is one of the EP’s crowning moments. 

Admittedly, the latter 5 tracks that were previously unpublished are my favourite part of this reissue. The reason for that is because the material here sounds much more hateful and raw, including the fact that a verily venomous, death-like atmosphere permeate these songs. 3 of these last 5 tracks are played live, although you could’ve had me fooled. 

Overall, the reissue of “Hoc est Lvx mea Spiritvs Libero” with the addition of the 5 extra tracks makes it a worthwhile purchase, especially if you’re a fan of this style of dark and occult black metal with death metal influences. Get your copy from Spreading The Pest Productions and let the darkness compel you. For fans of: Formless Devotion, Precaria, LvxCaelis. (HT)

Album review: Cancerbero - Reconquering The Throne of Death (2019)

Cancerbero - Reconquering The Throne of Death

Chile

Veins Full of Wrath Productions / Headsplit Records

Chile is a country that is revered for producing some of the best extreme metal the underground has to offer, and bands like Cancerbero is 100% proof of that. They’re one of those cult bands that go back to the ‘80s when they released their first demo in 1988 (“Guardian of Hell”) and their second demo in 1991 (“Perpetual Agony”). It must be noted though that the singer, Peter Claramunt, is the only remaining member from the original line-up, including the fact that the band has had many line-up changes over the years, however they've been resurrected from the grave and reanimated, to bring DEATH to the world once more.

It’s quite hilarious when I see flowery positive language and empathetic phrases with words such as “so nice” and “wonderful” being used in reviews for death metal bands. It’s counteractive to the very nature of the music, and quite frankly, just plain moronic. I’d be insulted if I played dark, violent and abstract death metal and some moron referred to it as “lovely” and “wonderful” or whatever tremendously pathetic hippie buzzwords are popular amongst this new breed of metalheads nowadays – and believe me when I tell you – Cancerbero certainly needs none of that, but I digress. Onto the music...

“Reconquering The Throne of Death” is the band’s second full-length and an absolutely sick release. It was one of the best albums from 2019. Any idiot that disagrees can go self-abort by drinking hydrochloric acid for all I care. This whole album is characterized by a profoundly morbid aura, featuring an array of filthy riffs that render to the blasphemous sound, combined with the totally vile vocals, which I must confess, is perfect for this style. I really like the drums on this. Nothing flashy, yet perfectly arranged and integrated into the mix, featuring a variety of caveman beats that keep it interesting. Believe me when I say there is no shortage of depth to this release – the whole thing radiates filthy charnel vibes that will make you feel like you have just awakened some subterranean creature in a pit drenched in the vile, howling stench of death. Does that sound “nice” and “wonderful” to you? I didn’t think so.

The album has that perfect middle-ground between raw but audible that gives the music its charm. I’d rather listen to this kind of material than most of the cleanly produced vomit that’s called metal nowadays made by pimple-faced geeks that take up space in their mother's basement masturbating to porn. These Chilean warriors are the pure essence of death metal and “Reconquering The Throne of Death" is a must for maniacs into the style. For fans of: Sarcofago, Grave Desecrator, Blaspherian. Favourite track: Evil Incarnate. (HT)

Interview: Slaughtbbath (2021)

The following interview was conducted with Daniel Desecrator from Chilean bestial black death menace, Slaughtbbath. 

Hails. Can you give us an update on the current status of the band?

Everything has been on hold for us since the beginning of last year due to the virus. We had our last album's release national tour and some other dates in Brazil and the States but all had to be canceled. However, we are working on new stuff and some releases. There's a 4 way split CD coming out soon.

Slaughtbbath have been active since 2002 – how do you stay inspired to write and record material on such a consistent basis?

Me and the guitarist began the band in 2002 but we have been really active recording demos and playing live since 2005 by the time our drummer joined and we got a stable line up. We were very young when we started so having this band is something quite natural for us. We don't have any obligation with it so when there's no more energy or inspiration the band will just cease to exist.

What can you tell us about your last full-length "Alchemical Warfare" and the inspiration behind the title? Are you happy with the final result?

Well the inspiration for the title, as a lot of our music, comes from the mighty Slayer but of course you can find a lot of symbolic meaning of Alchemy and Warfare within the lyrics of most of the tracks. There are always a lot of details that could be improved but for what's done we are satisfied.

Slaughtbbath's music radiates pure destructive fury – what are some of the factors resulting in such an harsh sound?

Being actually angry and furious instead of faking it!

How did you initially come up with the name Slaughtbbath and what does it mean?

It's a combination of the words 'Slaughter' and 'Sabbath'.

Musically, what are some of your biggest influences?

Slayer, Sepultura, Sarcófago, Kreator, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Morbid Angel, etc.

Do you agree with the philosophical sentiment of life being inherently meaningless? What gives you purpose?

Each individual gives existence it's own meaning. Before philosophers we are animals of survival and instinct. Instead of asking yourself what's the purpose ask yourself what keeps you enslaved of not doing what you desire.

What is your stance on progression in black/death – should the genre be pushed forward or do you prefer stagnation as opposed to bands stepping outside the usual confines of what has already been established?

I couldn't care less to be honest, politics, ethics and morals in music and art in general is not my thing. To each his own.

Can you tell us something about your artwork and profession as a tattoo artist? Are there any artists that had an influence on the development of your style?

For sure there's a lot of artists that have influenced me and helped me to develop my technique and style. I can name Doré, Bosch, Goya, Giger, etc. At the moment I'm working with many bands on their artwork, some of them are Druid Lord, Perversion, Profanatica, Nihilo, Qrixkuor, Perdition Temple, Varathron, Ruinous, etc. Regarding tattooing, that's my main job and I have been doing it for many years. It has also given me the chance to visit many countries.

Does sentiments like "the underground is dead" have any relevance to you? What is the true underground in your opinion?

No, and I must say I haven't even heard something like that. Underground just means doing stuff as you want and as you can first and not for the masses in my opinion.

Lastly, what's next for Slaughtbbath and when can we see some new material manifest? Thanks for your time!

I already said some of our plans. We can only wait for this stupid worldwide situation to change so we can return to play live and tour. Thanks for having us in your ‘zine. Cheers

Album review: Slaughtbbath - Alchemical Warfare (2019)

Slaughtbbath – Alchemical Warfare (2019)

Chile

Hells Headbangers Records

Slaughtbbath, hailing from the depths of Chile have released numerous demos, splits, EPs, and a debut full-length with a pretty consistent output since their inception in 2002. Their second full-length is fittingly titled “Alchemical Warfare.”

Musically, their style is rooted in the bloody sounds of Blasphemy, Sarcofago, and Bestial Warlust. Having said that, you can expect nothing but a high-octane dosage of supreme darkness from this Chilean horde. The album is a tour de force from beginning to end, featuring 8 tracks and 34 minutes of infernal black/death steeped in vitrioloic poison, which is enough to satiate your need for all things morbid and chaos-driven. Each track is stacked to the brim with blasphemous riffs, savage vocals, hard-hitting drums, and heavy bass lines, including the fact that the whole thing is boosted with an excellent production (at least by black/death standards) which allows all the instruments to be heard and distinguished from one another. Listening to this album will plunge your soul into the very depths of Hell. “Alchemical Warfare” is a more than worthy follow-up to “Hail To Fire” and comes highly recommended to fans of well-executed bestial black/death. (HT)

Album review: Communion - At The Announcement (2018)

                                          

Communion - At The Announcement - Full Length (2018)

Chile

Hells Headbangers

Those with a penchant for evil, raw, South American metal ― will no doubt rejoice upon hearing Communion's debut album, "At the Announcement." I remember getting my hands on their demo tape when it came out and being blown away by the sheer intensity and sinister atmosphere, particularly the track 'Black Metal Dagger'. The songs on "At the Announcement" gives me that same vibe, except it's like that with every track. Musically, Communion shares a lot of idiomatic traits with countrymen like Force of Darkness, Hades Archer, Invincible Force, etc., but mainly take cues from older bands like Sodom, Destruction, Bathory, etc. The album opens with 'Impalement to Destroy' ― a three-minute onslaught of throat-slashing riffs and possessed vocals that rage like burning steel, while songs like 'Secret Rites' and 'At The Announcement' batters you into the floor with brutish intensity and thrash-like ferocity. The drums are excellent too, fast and hard-hitting. If I'm not mistaken, the band released two albums around the same time (the other one which is called The Communion), although the tracks on "At The Announcement" was recorded between 2014 - 2017, which makes it the first full-length. Definitely Check it out if you have a fondness for bands like Slaughtbbath, Funeral Winds, and Bestial Warlust. (HT)

https://communion-chile.bandcamp.com/album/at-the-announcement