Split review: Thornspawn / Maledictvs – Guided by Vengeance & Bloodlust (2021)

Thornspawn / Maledictvs – Guided by Vengeance & Bloodlust

USA / Mexico

Inhuman Assault Productions

The split in question is the first release to feature new Thornspawn material since their last split with Singapore's Istidraj in 2013. The two new Thornspawn tracks 'Under The Illustrious Eminence of Satan's Doctrine' and 'Clairvoyance with the Dead' are both killer slabs of raw and vicious black metal, boasting a powerful production while maintaining that malicious and bestial edge they are known for. Blackthorn's vocals are visceral as ever with a fair amount of distortion, giving the music a menacing effect paired with the vicious buzzsaw guitars and thumping drums. The atmosphere is evil enough to draw me in, and has that apocalyptic ambience that is typical of their sound, although one thing missing from these tracks are guitar solos. They have always had them in the past; nevertheless, I am quite impressed with the new songs and hope to hear more of the same on their next recording. (Although it’s like I said, they need to throw some solos in the mix to give the music that extra oomph.) Interestingly, Blackthorn is the only remaining member from the original line-up and that really says a lot about his dedication to black metal, as the band has been around since 1993.

Maledictvs from Juarez, Mexico, is the manifestation of Hella, the mistress of Blackthorn, which consequently features Blackthorn on drums. The Malevicvs portion of the split is quite well crafted, with an an array of chaotic riffs and hellish, high-pitched vocals that sound like they come from the depths of Hella's black soul. This music is above the standard pedestal and exudes pure devotion to the dark arts, as this is raw, underproduced black metal at its finest. All in all, a solid split all around and recommended for aficionados of blasphemous underground black metal. (HT)

EP REVIEW: Nocturnal Damnation - Nuclear Massacre of Goatkommando (2020)

 

Nocturnal Damnation - Nuclear Massacre of Goatkommando (2020)

South Korea / Thailand 

Inhuman Assault Productions (Tape) / Deathrash Armageddon (CD) 

If it's blasphemous, militant, and brutal War Metal you seek, then you need to check out Nocturnal Damnation's latest EP, “Nuclear Massacre of Goatkommando,” as soon as possible. The EP is inaugurated with an intro featuring samples of war that sets the tone before all hell breaks loose. The songs vary in pace from mid to fast, but occasionally breaks down to more mid-paced territory to add heavier dynamics. The music is supported by a beefy production and underlined by a strong rhythm section laced with occasional leads. The guitars plot along nicely with everything else while the drums are always battering you into oblivion and offering various tempos. The barbarous growls are perfectly layered over the array of sonic violence and gives the whole thing a verily menacing atmosphere. Nocturnal Damnation stands out in the sense that they put emphasis on structure and making the songs sound cohesive as a whole. The lyrics are your typical lines about war and armageddon, so if you're looking for something poetic, then look elsewhere. All in all, definitely check them out if you're a fan of bands like Wargoat, Witchrist, Zygoatsis, etc. This EP will pulverize you from start to finish. (HT)