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: Deified Shreds – Overcoming The Fractal Deception (2021)

 Deified Shreds – Overcoming The Fractal Deception

Greece

Iron Blood and Death Corporation

Now here’s a cool band. Deified Shreds from Athens, Greece, reminds me of old Malevolent Creation mixed with Deicide and Suffocation. They also have that trademark “Greek” sound infused into their music, as one can draw similarities to other Greek bands like Resurgency (same vocalist) and Dead Congregation. 

In case anyone reading this is unaware, Greek Death Metal is unfortunately quite underrated, and also absurdly militant and brutal for the most part, which is why I like their scene. 

Deified Shreds continues the tradition, as the four songs contained on their debut EP are replete with meathook riffs, menacing vocals, and thrashy, yet old-school drumming. The drums have a type of crisp, cool sound to them, which fits well with their style. It’s mammoth-like heavy and pure death metal in every possible way. 

The musicianship is pretty proficient, but not in a flashy, overly technical sense. Solos are short but masterful and well-executed.  

The more I hear this EP, the more I like it. it’s verily punishing and a treat for fans of solid Death Metal, or people into the bands mentioned earlier in the review. Check them out! (HT)

Album review: Those Who Bring The Torture - Dark Chapters (2020)

 

Those Who Bring The Torture - Dark Chapters - Full Length (2020)

Sweden

Iron Blood and Death Corp.

Rogga Johnsson is one of the more prolific musicians in Death Metal, and Those Who Bring The Torture is one of the numerous projects to involve his input. “Dark Chapters” is their 7^th studio album and the first release I've heard from them. The music reveals a band with a natural capacity for skull-thumping, dark, and catchy Death Metal. The production is quite strong and was mixed and mastered by Jonny Pettersson at Studio Unbound, UK. The band employs melody in a clever way, which isn't all that overbearing, and blends it well with heavier segments. The riffs are fairly catchy and go together well with the bass and drums. They also throw in a few incendiary solos, including some doom-tinged passages that add an extra layer of depth to the music. “Dark Chapters” isn't particularly ground-breaking per se, but those looking for something familiar, yet also enjoyable, should check this out, including fans of some of Rogga's other projects, such as Fondlecorpse, Paganizer, Revolting, et alia. The latest album was released by Mexican-based label Iron Blood And Death Corporation. (HT)

https://ironbloodanddeath.bandcamp.com/album/dark-chapters