Showing posts with label Demo Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Demo Reviews. Show all posts

2 Feb 2024

Demo review: Tartarean Vengeance - Genosida (2024)


Tartarean Vengeance - Genosida

Singapore

Self-released/Independent


Tartarean Vengeance from Singapore is the sole project of Hades (Battlestorm, Nocturnized, Devourer, etc.) and “Genosida” is the debut demo/EP of this project. Expect nothing less than a vile onslaught of bestial black/death metal informed by bands like Impiety, Black Witchery and Incantation. A haunting ambient piece opens this EP, followed by a rivetingly crushing assault of black/death metal infused with waves of skull-exploding distortion that is characteristic of the superlative heaviness of "Genosida". Since this is a demo recording, the sound is quite raw, albeit executed with a degree of proficiency. Despite being only 12 minutes long, this EP gets its point across confidently and provides a taste of what is to come. Furthermore, the cover of ‘Blasphemous Onslaught’ by Black Witchery is an excellent rendition and homage to one of the genre’s greats. Prepare yourself for war, as Tartarean Vengeance pummels you right into the heart of it.  

19 Jan 2024

Demo review: Nuclearhammer - Xaos Tenawas - Demo MMXXIII (2023)


Nuclearhammer - Xaos Tenawas - Demo MMXXIII

Canada

Nuclear War Now! Productions
 
 
Ten years have passed since the release of Nuclearhammer’s last album, with the members more or less contributing to a variety of other projects (namely Necropolissebeht, Nirriti, Azothyst, etc.). Fast forward to 2023, and Nuclearhammer unleash a surprise attack with this twenty-six minute beast called “Xaos Tenawas - Demo MMXXIII”, which features two lengthy compositions of hateful, bestial death/black metal that is characteristic of their sound. The guitars form an extremely grim backdrop, backed by vengeful vocals and hard-hitting drums that viciously pound the listener into submission as the suffocating darkness grips you tighter and tighter. It is the band's ability to create an oppressive atmosphere full of nightmarish soundscapes that leaves a feeling of disorientation and dread within the listener. If you liked “Serpentine Hermetic Lucifer”, then you will undoubtedly love this demo as well, as it more or less follows the same sadistic formula. The overlords of Canadian black/death filth are back to give us a taste of the future. For fans of Antediluvian, Impetuous Ritual, and Teitanblood. 

5 Jun 2022

Demo review: Euthanized - Sanguine Spectacle (2021)

 

Euthanized – Sanguine Spectacle

Canada

Helldprod Records

Euthanized is a Victoria-based trio from British Colombia, Canada, playing vile and raunchy black metal the way it’s meant to be played. "Sanguine Spectacle" is the band's second demo (and fourth release overall). The band had already released a self-titled demo in 2016, the "Riches among Refuse" EP in 2018, and the "A Pact from The Grave" split with Cultist in 2019.

Venom-spewing vocals accompanied by low-tuned and evil sounding guitars assault the listener on the first track, which also features a Motorhead-inspired solo near the end. Drum beats are simple, but well-balanced in the mix, staying mostly in a mid-pace range. One of the features I adore most about Euthanized is the vocalist’s propensity for all-out maddening rage, which brings to mind Maniac from Mayhem’s Deathcrush era. It's aggressive, heavy as hell, raw, and very old-school sounding, which is my kind of black metal. Most of the tracks are around three to four minutes long, which is more than enough time to sink your teeth into Euthanized's aural carnage. On the last track, the band covers Venom's classic "Live Like An Angel", which is not only a great choice for a cover, but is also executed flawlessly.

I think this is an excellent demo by a band that completely surprised me with its ancient and passionate sound that is a throwback to old times without being a weak copycat of its influences. There is a real sense of conviction in their sound, which should appeal to fans of bands like (early) Mayhem, Sarcofago, and Katharsis. I look forward to the full-length. (HT)

22 Dec 2021

Demo review: Hecatomb - Horrid Invocations (2021)


Hecatomb - Horrid Invocations

Australia/Norway

Invictus Productions


Hecatomb is an international project featuring Rick Warkill from Australia and Mangressor from Norway (Abhorration). Together, they unleash a fierce barrage of raw and bestial death metal that pays homage to the past in the most relentless sense.

"Horrid Invocations" is their debut demo, featuring five tracks of pure unbridled mayhem that give nods to *ahem* yes, Mayhem (Deathcrush era), Sadistik Exekution, and Sarcofago.

Several bands in recent memory have done this style rather well, including Morbid Insulter, Third Eye Rapists, Shitangel, and more recently, Abhorration. They don't try to sound old-school, they just play death metal, and that's what separates them from some retro band made up of members who look as if they formerly played in some shitty sludge or metalcore band (posers in other words). Hecatomb is the real deal. The music is absurdly crude, featuring a foray of harsh screams that sounds like an ancient demon just awoke, along with riffs that radiate nothing but darkness, and drums that plow through the songs with pure unyielding force. In addition, the artwork has that simplistic and underground look, which perfectly reflects what the band conveys with their music.

Overall, if you are looking for some raw, evil, and unapologetic metal of death, then "Horrid Invocations" will satisfy your craving. (HT)

1 Dec 2021

Demo review: Nortavlaggh.377 – Demo 2021 (2021)


 Nortavlaggh.377 – Demo 2021

Singapore

Independent


Nortavlaggh.377 is a Singapore-based one-man project that has been around since 2004 with only a couple of demos and one split under its belt. Now, I haven’t heard much of their old material, but I can confidently assert that the new demo slays on all fronts. The three tracks featured here are absolutely fierce Black/Death in the purest sense that sometimes borders on War metal.


Whether it's the riffs, the vocals, or the arrangements, everything is exceptionally well-executed, with the music itself inspiring homicidal impulses. It would be silly to compare Nortavlaggh.377 to other Singaporean bands like Impiety, Infernal Execrator, and Abhorer because honestly, this project sounds nothing like those bands, except maybe for the fact that they all exude a similar kind of war-like fury. It is no secret that Singapore produces some pretty extreme bands, and Nortavlaggh.377 just further confirms that fact. The vocals are wartorn screams filled with hate, while the riffs crush wimps with fast tremelo pickings and a black metal-like atmosphere. The drums are fast and merciless, befitting of the style.

Nortavlaggh.377 will satisfy black/death fans who appreciate fast, relentless and violent music, particularly those with an affinity for bands like Diocletian, Witchrist, and Arkhon Infaustus. (HT)

24 Jul 2021

Demo review: Hedonist - Sepulchral Lacerations (2021)


Hedonist - Sepulchral Lacerations

Canada

Unsigned / Independent

I was about to review another demo until I came across this one and the violent ecstasy generated by the unmatched sound of old school Death Metal with melodies from beyond was enough to get me to work. It's not Melodic Death Metal, it's a style that in my opinion seems to fuse the melodies and brutality of Swedish extreme metal with some elements of the old Finnish school Death Metal. A brutal mix of two undeniable forces that have emerged in music over the years. It's one of those bands that, as I have mentioned before, seem to come from the 90s because they either lived through that era or perfectly understand what metal was like during those times. It sounds like an excellent production to me. While the instruments are high and well defined, the vocals seem to come from an abandoned catacomb, it's like they come out from behind the instruments, from the guts of the band. Of course, I understand that this was intentional, to give it that cavernous touch that always remains bestial in this very particular type of death metal. And boy, there are different styles to make Death Metal! And I don't mean Thrash/Death, Death/Doom or whatever. I am talking about the particular style of playing Death Metal, that every band is imposing on themselves right now, which in turn seems to be generating a new subgenre. These guys knew where they wanted to go with their music, and they felt an affinity for that side of Death Metal, which I honestly like the best. It's their first release since the birth of the band and they started with all the necessary rotten feeling needed for a band like this! They have demonized my mind! The lyrics are available on Bandcamp, so you can check them out and read what's going on in the minds of these maniacs. For now, it's only been released digitally. Hopefully there will be news of a physical release soon. I highly recommend you get your head on straight with these maniacs, and enjoy it as much as I did! Aaaarrrrgghhhh !!! (Catacombs Walker)

6 Jul 2021

Demo review: Temple of Gorgon – Worshipers of the Serpent (2021)

Temple of Gorgon – Worshipers of the Serpent

California/USA

Self-released

Temple of Gorgon is a breath of fresh air after being exposed to some perniciously awful post-black metal band on youtube. This is more like it! The debut demo from the Los Angeles-based solo-project Temple of Gorgon features 3 tracks of raw and intense Black Metal. It’s nothing remarkably unique, but some individual touches manage to shrine through. In a way, the music reminds me of bands like Crimson Moon, Masochist, and Demoncy. That being said, it has that idiomatic USBM sound stamped all over it – fury-fueled vocals charged with blasphemous riffs and a crescendo of malicious blasts and fiery double-bass. There’s also the presence of keyboards, which are sparingly used to add depth to the atmosphere rendering it a kind of occult feel. It’s a really killer demo clocking in at 13 minutes. The band infuses all the right ingredients – from the visual representation to the music – Temple of Gorgon will undoubtedly gain some followers as the quality of the output is undeniable. So behold, worshipers of the serpent, as we enter the Temple of Gorgon! (HT)

30 Jun 2021

Demo review: RTNGJHVH - Rotting Jehovah (2020)



RTNGJHVH - Rotting Jehovah

USA

Blasfemas Records


"Rtngjhvh" – which stands for "Rotting Jehovah" – is a solo project from Kentucky playing barbaric black/death metal informed by bands like Proclamation, Abhorer, etc. The demo in question features 7 tracks & 26 minutes of blasphemous filth that will rape the severed head of Christ before impaling it on a spike. The overall sound is considerably raw and primitive. There are no traces of any melody to be found here. This shit is vile, primal, and profoundly filthy. The sound is utterly bestial and crude, and will only appeal to the most diehard maniacs into this style. Disgusting riffs, caveman vocals, and sloppy drum beats are maliciously thrown together and scattered over 7 tracks of unadulterated morbid metal mayhem spawned straight from the rotting corpse of God. If you like any of the bands mentioned earlier, then check them out. And If you’re anything like me, and have a penchant for collecting rare & sick demos from obscure bands, then be sure to grab a copy from Blasfemas Records before it’s too late! (HT) 

23 Jun 2021

Demo review: Cleavercult - Promo 2021



Cleavercult – Promo 2021

Greece

Self-released


The band’s name might suggest the band to play brutal death metal – and that might be true to some extent – but they seem to have a bit of that ancient death/thrash in their veins, especially in the riffs. The guitar sound is pretty obscure, which allows the band to stand out a bit from other bands. Production has a rough edge befitting of the music. Deep and menacing growls command the assault backed by speedy drums and choppy tremolo riffs, which gives way to some decidedly interesting ideas and textures. Melody definitely plays a role in the song structuring, and is employed without losing grip on intensity. The two tracks on this promo are quite straight-forward in their delivery, clocking in at about 3 minutes per track. I think a full-length from these guys would be interesting, so if that ever happens, I’ll be sure to check it out. (HT)


18 Jun 2021

Demo review: Asgard - Pagan Sacrifice (2021)



Asgard – Pagan Sacrifice

Peru

Unholy War Productions


Asgard is a one-man band from Peru, and the release in question, “Pagan Sacrifice,” is the band’s third demo, featuring 5 songs of raw pagan/black metal with a rusty production fitting for a demo limited to 150 copies. The individual behind this project is also a former member of bands such as Lord Sanguinary, Nahual, and Penetrator Hammer.

The song structures are similar to punk in the sense that the music is quite straight-forward and simplistic, although the overall metallic elements prevail. Stylistically, their sound gives nods to bands such as Absurd and Burzum. The music is definitely very riff-laden, and songs like “Hall Of The Fallen (Valhalla)” perfectly exemplify this. There’s even clean vocals, which are quite dominant in the mix, backed by more aggressive vocals and some lower grunts. There’s some pretty cool riffs interspersed throughout, which are infused with folk melodies. It’s quite interesting to hear a band like this coming from Peru, especially considering the band’s lyrical themes, which deals with nationalism, paganism, etc. It’s a style of black metal I can enjoy and appreciate if I’m in the mood for something riffy and primitive; however, the themes might not be for everyone. 

If you like poorly produced and sloppily played black metal with punk tendencies, then you will enjoy this, particularly fans of the aforementioned acts. (HT)

7 Jun 2021

Demo review: Brood In Black - Black Unholy Mass (2021)


Brood In Black – Black Unholy Mass

Kentucky, USA

Blasfemas Records


Brood In Black hail from from the city of Lancaster (there’s another Lancaster in England, but the weather looks a bit crappy there) situated in Kentucky, USA, and the aptly titled “Black Unholy Mass” is their latest offering of pure unadulterated black metal darkness.


Brood In Black are one of those bands that’s 100% loyal to the spirit of old-school black metal. They evoke an atmosphere that takes us back to the first and second wave of black metal with a sound reminiscent of bands like Beherit, Countess, Bathory, etc. That’s not to say that Brood In Black is some boring, uninspired clone of the aforementioned bands; they do their thing well and I happen to enjoy this kind of no-frills, straight-forward black metal, and in the case of Brood In Black, they execute their craft with absolute zeal and fervour. The overall length of "Black Unholy Mass” exceeds the 30 minute mark, which is quite a satisfying duration for a demo.


Performance-wise, the songs are pretty simple and by no means technical, but that’s also one of the band’s strong points. The vocals are appropriately raw, evil, and full of acrimony which gives the music a really unsettling feel. Everything goes together decidedly well, whether it’s the inventive drum fills, the skull-grating buzzsaw riffs, or the venom-spitting vocals.


If you think words like “raw” and “simplistic” are a warning flag for “unprofessional”, then avoid this at all costs – especially if you’re a hipster who think it’s cool to listen to black metal after watching the abominable Lords Of Chaos film. This is about as austere, bleak, bitter and unoriginal as any black metal you can find, but that’s the fucking beauty of it. There’s absolutely no compromise for trends. (HT)


2 Jun 2021

Demo review: Supayniyux - Aniquilacion de Cristo (2021 Re-release)



Supayniyux - Aniquilacion de Cristo

Ecuador / Switzerland

From Deepest Records


Supayniyux is an Ecuadorian/Swiss black metal band and “Aniquilacion de Cristo” is their demo from 2014 recently re-released on CD format by From Deepest Records.


The music on this demo unfolds over a duration of 27 minutes spanning 5 tracks of over-the-top aural violence. Imagine a mix between bands like Nyogthaeblisz, Svartsyn and Sarcofago – that’s more or less what Supayniyux sounds like. The vocals are ultra abrasive, agonized screams drenched in a crescendo of hellish noise. A barrage of hyper-charged riffs bombard the listener at every turn, constructed of basic chord progressions and melodic sensibilities that mesh well with the all-out chaos. The sound on this demo is undoubtedly raw, but not so much to the point where it detracts from the overall quality of the songs, since one is able to follow the riffs and drums, regardless of the heavy layer of distortion that encompass this demo. This whole release embodies a sense of urgency and rage, which is perfectly captured in its apocalyptic fury.


Favourite tracks:


Era de Semen y Sangre


Muriendo En El Horizonte


Overall, this is raw and chaotic black metal done right and a killer demo to boot. Supayniyux is pure black metal madness for black metal fans pure. Recommended! (HT)


30 Apr 2021

Demo review: Sküllfükk SS - Uncut Speed (2021)


Sküllfükk SS – Uncut Speed (2021)

Estonia

Corrupted Flesh Records



The beer-cuzzling crew from Estonia called Sküllfükk SS unleash pure havoc on their latest demo (“Uncut Speed”) featuring 7 tracks of sleazy and offensive black/thrash/speed metal. 


The whole release is permeated with a raw and old-school production complimentary to their style. The music is catchy and infused with punk attitude. You can tell these guys had fun when they recorded the material. Their music will transport you back to the '80s, which is probably what the band intended, since their palette of influences include bands such as Venom, Mercyful Fate, Motorhead, etc. 


Those with an affinity for balls-to-the-wall metal punk, will no doubt enjoy this, as the music is full of killer riffs and incendiary vocal lines. Those looking for something more sophisticated, however, should stay away, as Sküllfükk SS is a band that embraces simplicity and old-school ethos with a healthy dose of punk injected in their veins. 


The overall output is quite impressive considering that “Uncut Speed” is only their second demo. There's something promising here, so hopefully we'll see another release at some point. If you’re a fan of bands like Bunker 66, Vomitor, Abigail, etc., then definitely check it out! (HT)


31 Dec 2020

DEMO REVIEW: Chestcrush – Demo June 2020

 

Chestcrush – Demo June 2020

Scotland

FHED


Chestcrush is a band situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, with roots in Greece. The release under review is their debut demo and was released by the Welsh label, FHED. Musically speaking, their style is a devastating amalgamation of Black, Death, and Sludge Metal. The band fuses these styles together cohesively and by adding their own unique flavour. Consequently, the music is well crafted and can easily be digested due to the excellent quality of the compositions. The production is massive and brings out the best in each performance, giving the whole thing a very crushing atmosphere. The dynamic range and aggressive approach of the vocals gives this demo a veritably menacing edge paired with the monstrously heavy dissonance conjured by the guitars. Chestcrush is definitely a band that lives up to their name: the weight of their music will crush your mind and soul. This demo must be a sign of good things to come. Check them out if you're looking for something heavy, sludgy, and dark. (HT)

30 Dec 2020

Demo review: Hexorcist - Bestiarum Vocabulum (2020)

Hexorcist - Bestiarum Vocabulum

USA

Dark Recollections Productions 


It says in the promo's information sheet that Hexorcist was created in early 2019 by members of Devastator, Gnosis, and Lvcifervs, and that the band draws influence from the likes of Sarcofago, Necrovore, Morbid Angel, Kreator, etc. That couldn't be more accurate: the debut demo from these maniacs called, “Bestiarum Vocabulum,” offers three tracks of profane, no-frills, Thrashing Death Metal, that perfectly conveys the golden era from the aforementioned bands. These songs create an atmosphere of pure palpable evil, which is something closer to Black Metal, although they incorporate just enough thrashing chops to balance things out. Basically, Hexorcist takes you back to the old days when Black, Death, and Thrash were more or less under the same umbrella. The production on “Bestiarum Vocabulum” is surprisingly clear and backed by a decidedly cohesive performance. Clocking at 10 minutes, “Bestiarum Vocabulum” delivers the killing blow, and is certainly one of the more enjoyable demos I've heard this year. Apparently, the band is scheduled to start recording a full length in early 2021, which is something to look forward to. (HT)