Album review: Maleficarum - Across the Heavens (1995)

 Maleficarum - Across the Heavens

Italy

Defiled Records

 

Maleficarum is a death metal quartet from Molise (southern Italy) that was founded in 1993. After releasing a well-received demo (“Unblessed”) the same year, the band followed it with their excellent debut “Across the Heavens” two years later. Any self-proclaimed death metal enthusiast with a penchant for cult and obscure gems should give this album a listen, as it is absolutely worth your time and has a high replay value. The band also featured former members of Excidium, who are also worth checking out.
 
Apparently, the drum sound on this album is universally maligned by production snobs, however, I personally have no major qualms with it. The drums have a certain crispness that makes them stand out that gives this album a unique quality. They are by no means too extravagant, but rather rhythmically varied and switch between various tempos with relative ease and skill. By alternating between tempos, the band creates an atmosphere that slowly builds through the constant repetition of melodic riffs. The lead work that accompanies this oeuvre evokes a somber mood and is cleverly interspersed throughout, showing their flair for neoclassical ideas. The vocals, while not terribly varied, are masterfully integrated (throaty growls reminiscent of Ross Dolan) and are in cadence with the rest of the instruments. The bass presence is quite noticeable and well-played, adding the necessary lower frequencies to each track and synchronizing perfectly.
 
The guitars have a huge impact playing into the emotion of Maleficarum’s sound, enriching the music with morbid melodies, and dispensing a salvo of chromatic riffs, along with the energetic and tightly played drums. This isn’t quite Atheist-level tech-death, but there’s no denying the methodical approach and detail that went into each song. A more simplified version of Immolation, but with a flavor of melody that borrows from the likes of Sentenced and At the Gates. “Across The Heavens” is like the Italian cousin of “Dawn of Possession”, infused with European melodicism. And while these two albums may be musically aligned, their moods are disparate. While the former conjures images of fire and brimstone, the latter has a kind of gothic undercurrent that paints a picture of a morose and autumnal landscape. 
 
This isn’t exactly boundary-pushing, but it encapsulates all the qualities of the genre into a collective of eleven tracks and forty-three minutes, as “Across the Heavens” is a straight-up death metal banger that I have revisited continuously over the years. Italy has produced a number of noteworthy gems throughout the ‘90s and you can certainly count this masterpiece among them. Stand-out tracks: “Season of Black”, “Time I Am”, “Spirit Magnified” (Jim)

Interview: Thecodontion (2023)

 

The following interview was conducted with death metal squadrons THECODONTION! If you like unique death metal with a different approach, then you should definitely check them out.

Can you tell us a bit more about the descriptor “prehistoric death metal” and how it relates to your music? Does it represent a more individual stance in terms of creativity and setting yourselves apart from other bands?

We label our music as "prehistoric metal of death" because we take many elements from death metal, and we try to put them under a "prehistoric" form. You know, when we started the band we chose to use basses only instead of guitars in order to have a more ancestral, raw sound... which is to be interpreted as a prehistoric feature. For the same reason, probably there aren't many bands that could be compared to us so this is good in terms of uniqueness.

Can you please elaborate on your writing approach and why you choose to employ two bassists taking up the role of guitars?

Our process of songwriting is pretty simple. Usually G.E.F. writes the structure and the rhythm section of a song, then G.D. adds bass leads/solos and works on the arrangements. Since 2022 we're now officially a quartet since L.S. (second bass) and V.P. (drums) are now full part of the band (they only were live members before), so the process might change a little bit for our next releases. Regarding the choice of using two basses, this is linked to the creation of a sound of our own and our lyrics, centered about prehistory, paleontology and fossils.

Do you consider creativity as an integral aspect to what you do? How do you feel about bands that keep repeating themselves to the point where they become a weak rehash of their former selves?

Of course. We don't judge the other bands, but creativity should be indeed an integral aspect for all the bands, if your intent is creating something "artistic". Otherwise, it's just a matter of writing stuff like an autopilot, sounds a bit like the negation of doing art. We also don't like to repeat ourselves, we started as a war/death/grind band, and then we added more atmospheric elements. The most important thing is having something to tell, music is a form of language after all.

Which bands would you cite as inspirations that somehow influenced your work with Thecodontion?

We could say many, but no one in particular. There are many bands (metal and not metal) we esteem and that influenced us in some way. For example solos are often influenced by '90s melodic death metal bands, drumming has references to cavernous death metal but also post-metal bands, bass solos have a sound that reminds of some post-rock/shoegaze bands... it's hard to cite someone specifically. Bands like Auroch, Howls of Ebb, Oksennus, Mithras, Chaos Echoes and Mitochondrion, just to name a few extreme metal bands, can be considered influences for sure, though.

Are you interested in any literature? What inspires the lyrics in Thecodontion?

Everyone in the band has different interests in terms of literature, comics, etc. G.D. is the most well versed in books about prehistory and dinosaurs, like "The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs" by Steve Brusatte and the Michael Crichton's original novels about "Jurassic Park". Our lyrics are often inspired by scientific descriptions of prehistoric animals/fossils and geologic events, we even use official documents like academic papers for being more accurate. Then, lyrics are put in a sort of poetic form.

Can you tell us a bit about what you’ve released so far and also describe your evolution with each release?

"Thecodontia" and "Jurassic" were written very quickly, it's rabid, instinctive, war metal/grindcore with low budget production. They're recommended for fans of old school grindcore and some war metal. Then we started to experiment a little bit: "Supercontinent" and the split with Vessel of Iniquity are the result of these experiments, with longer riffs, more atmosphere, better equipment, more solos, etc. We're adding new elements and the forthcoming releases will mark another step up compared to "Supercontinent".

What are you listening to lately? Are there any albums from this year that you enjoy? 

Several things, it depends on the single member so you can have very different answers. Anyway, we listen to many genres, from dark pop to experimental/drone, from extreme metal to movie soundtracks. By the way, Aeviterne, Cosmic Putrefaction and the Bedsore/Mortal Incarnation split are some of the albums from this year we enjoyed the most.

If some major label offered you a deal, would you sign with them? And do you think working with a big label could affect the artistic integrity of a band?

Honestly, we don't have a specific idea about it. We don't think much to labels and so on: our main focus is the music and our artistic goal, which is just releasing what we want to do. If you start thinking about signing with a major, probably the risk is that you lose your focus and you won't produce genuine music anymore, and we absolutely want to avoid this. If a big label contacts us then we'll think about it, but we're happy with I, Voidhanger Records which is a very good label.

Do you feel that music can define a person’s character? And would you call yourself a “metalhead”?

Not sure, people can be attracted by a certain music genre for innumerable reasons. There's nothing wrong with calling themselves a "metalhead", but it's not something we really do.

Lastly, can you tell us about your future plans for the band and what we can expect from your output? Thank you very much for your time.

The split with Vessel of Iniquity we released last year is the first of three splits. The other two will be probably published in 2023, plus another special split which will be dedicated to a famous (now deceased) Italian singer-songwriter. These new splits will mark a slight change in our sound, but we don't want to "spoil" anything, you'll see.

Thank you too for interviewing us!

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)

Split review: Thecodontion / Vessel of Iniquity - The Permian-Triassic Extinction Event (2021)

Thecodontion / Vessel of Iniquity - The Permian-Triassic Extinction Event

Italy / England

I, Voidhanger Records / Dead Red Queen Records / Bad Moon Rising 惡月上昇

Well, holy shit! The material on this split is great. I have never heard of either bands before listening to this release. Admittedly, I really like splits as it's always interesting to hear how bands represent themselves, and often times splits have great songs from bands that are not always featured on their other releases. The split in question features two pretty awesome bands: Thecodontion from Italy and Vessel of Iniquity from England.

Thecodontion is up first, presenting two tracks that reach the 6-minute mark each. This band has a sound rooted in pure black/death metal, but with an experimental touch, including the fact that the music is quite atmospheric. Now the term "atmospheric" can often times be misinterpreted as music with soothing melodies that bring tears to your eyes or bring a warm smile to your face. This is not the case with Thecodontion, as the music emits a deeply sinister tone that evokes a sense of utter horror, and yet the music is so incredibly catchy that it is impossible to resist. They have some of the best bass playing I have heard from a new black/death band in a long, long time. The bass is a driving force in the music and reminds me of Swedish death metal band Karnarium, as they employ it in an almost similar way. References could be made to bands like Antediluvian, Mitochondrion and Chaos Echoes as they have a similar approach to songwriting and atmosphere. The drums are very adequately played and even quite technical in a kind of straightforward sense. The drums and bass definitely have a good chemistry on this release. Thecodontian has a wholly unique sound and take on black/death metal and all I can say is that I will be listening to more of their music.

Vessel of Iniquity is the far more chaotic entry of the two bands and assaults the listener with a terrifying 11 minute piece of frantic black metal with some harsh noise elements. I think the overlapping elements make this a really interesting and enjoyable split. I am not sure what state S.P. White was in when he recorded this madness, but it certainly sounds like he was in a murderous trance or something. It seems like the track "The Great Dying" is split into two parts but stitched together as one composition, which is interesting because there's a bit of a breather from all the chaos about halfway through when the listener is subjected to a rhythmic percussion with an eerie ambience in the background, followed by more hyper-blasting madness and screams coming straight from hell. The riffs, percussion and vocals are all exceptionally well put together as the music shows a heightened sense of atmosphere that will transport you to another realm.

Overall, it's a very interesting and enjoyable split that I will certainly be coming back to, considering the quality output of both bands. Props to I, Voidhanger for putting out such a harrowing and abstract piece of aural sickness. (HT) 

Album review: Riexhumation – The Final Revelation of Abaddon (2021)

 

Riexhumation – The Final Revelation of Abaddon

Italy

Lavadome Records

RIEXHUMATION is an Italian death metal band formed in 2009. “The Final Revelation of Abaddon” is their debut LP and fourth overall release in the band's 11 year life span.

This record most certainly does not follow the modern trend of non-stop slowed down old-school death worship – this stuff is blisteringly fast, heavy production, high gain tremolo riffing, and hate-filled gutturals on top of everything. This is a solid straight-forward death metal album with an evil occult touch to it. This album sounds like a mix between Swedish and US old-school death metal, which is quite prominent during some parts, giving the whole thing a very distinct sound. The album has a very evil atmosphere inspired by the Stockholm school of death metal, but with an American-sounding production, especially with the vocals.

A mix between slower, mid-paced, and ripping blast-beat sections is quite evenly spread out. The tempo changes feel fresh every time they do occur. Though this brand of death metal has the feel of death metal from 1990 to 1998, it does an excellent job of being its own master. This is a worthy release for any death metal connoisseur to listen to as it brings a well-rounded and sinister listening experience to the table, with competent musicianship and songwriting throughout. (AR)

EP review: Spasticus - Horror Chaos Death (2021)

 

Spasticus - Horror Chaos Death

Italy

Rotted Life Records

The smell of necrotic flesh invaded my nostrils and filled it with worms at the time of playing this EP, and I am sure it will do the same for you! So get ready to experience horror, chaos, and death!

This EP, which was released on June 25 of this year, really makes you imagine all that grotesque imagery that adorns the cover art. The initial impression it gives you is akin to being chased by some lunatic cannibal tribe. This is straightforward death metal redolent of having a dagger plunged into your jugular. It was designed to express perversion and a morbid killer instinct. It is a work that – if you do not know the date it was released – you might think that it is another of many secretly hidden relics from the ‘90s, as there is almost nothing modern about it. The monstrous Spasticus slowly pulls at your limbs until the flesh begins to tear apart. Something that completely corrodes the mind of the Death/grind bands is the constant blow to your senses, which leaves no room for you to stop and rest until the album is finished. The bass sounds fat and repulsive, the voice seems to be spitting out chunks of meat like a fucking hungry zombie. Festering guitars expel structures that apprehend the senses, especially when they are exposed in contrasting arrangements and fused together with the adequately-executed drums, giving tremendous hammer blows that will make your bones vibrate. In addition to all that headlong fury, they display a great conviction to craft disgusting riffs that any fan of the ‘80s or ‘90s will appreciate, as well as those morbid melodies, which are nothing short of brutal. About 20 minutes of dirty and addictive Death/grind sickness for fans of Impetigo, Autopsy, and Abscess. (Catacombs Walker)

EP review: Chronic Hate – Reflection on Ruin (2021)

Chronic Hate – Reflection on Ruin

Italy

Self-released (Bandcamp)

Chronic Hate is a five-piece death metal band from Italy that formed in 2001. So far, the band have put out several releases, including two full-lengths – and now this – their latest EP entitled, “Reflection on Ruin.” This EP pretty much blew me away. It sounds like the band has been honing their craft for years, as the verily accomplished musicianship can attest to this. The music is truly crushing and aimed directly at the skull. Vocals are very audible in the mix – powerful and guttural – including the band’s proclivity for sharp, brutalizing riffs, and hard-hitting drumming that sounds like live machine gun fire. (The drummer is an absolute beast behind the kit!) Chronic Hate perfectly demonstrates the effectiveness of EP’s, as the material in question is nothing short of devastating. There’s also an excellent cover of Dismember’s classic “Misanthropic”, which is a must hear. The band strikes a good balance between melody and brutality, infusing a heavy dose of Scandinavian influences into their sound, as well as some keyboard passages that add depth to the atmosphere. Chronic Hate is very adept at playing excellent death metal, as the song-writing and quality of their music speaks for itself. A really enjoyable EP. I’ll be checking out more of their material for sure. For fans of: Vader, Fleshcrawl, Krisiun. (HT)

Split review: Nameless Tomb / Sadomortuary - Nameless Mortuary (2020)

 

Nameless Tomb / Sadomortuary – Nameless Mortuary

Germany / Italy

Goatmarch Distro

The aptly titled “Nameless Mortuary” is a split release between Nameless Tomb (Ger) and Sadomortuary (Ita) released under Goatmarch Distro from Greece. Both of these bands embody the true essence of the underground and transmit a veritably evil atmosphere that many bands lack nowadays.

Inaugurating the madness is Nameless Tomb from Berlin, Germany, offering five tracks of vicious and vociferous Black/Death Metal that could potentially drive your neighbours insane. Their side of the split starts with an audio sample of Armin Meiwes, which is quite fitting considering the band is from Germany. The music is characterized by sinister and buzzy guitars, unintelligible growls, primitive, yet well-executed drums, and an unabashedly raw production. Their style conforms to the formula of old-school, raw and bestial Black/Death Metal that gives nods to bands like Corpse Molestation, Havohej and Abhorer. In other words, this is some killer fucking shit. 

The next attack comes from Sadomortuary from Mantua, Italy – and just like Nameless Tomb – they offer more or less the same palette of aural sickness, albeit even more primitive, with a sound sonically on par with bands like Beherit, Weregoat, and Sadomator. The music is – as mentioned above – utterly primitive, ugly and raucous. Their songs aren’t particularly short either and succeed in inducing a profoundly devilish atmosphere, pulling you into the darkest corridors of the bottomless pit with their brand of ritualistic Black/Death. 

All in all, both bands deliver. In fact, this is one of my favourite split releases of late. I definitely recommend it to those into the more bestial and crude sounding stuff. (HT)

ALBUM REVIEW: Uncreation - Overwhelming Chaos (2017)

 

 

Uncreation - Overwhelming Chaos (2017)

Italy

Blasphemous Art Records

"Overwhelming Chaos" is the debut full-length from Italy's Uncreation and was released in 2017. For some time now, I've been neglecting to check out the band's work, but I'm glad I did because their debut album is an addictive, hardened slab of sadistic Death Metal that slays on all fronts. The band employs a sound that hearkens back to the early '90s, that brings to mind the golden era from bands like Morbid Angel, Benediction, Bolt Thrower, etc. They may draw influence from the aforementioned bands, but manage to infuse their own devilish gene, as the songs on this album are replete with sinister cadences and an horripilant atmosphere colder than Jack Frost's balls. Everything is seemingly well-arranged, with a maelstrom of incendiary riffs, pounding drums and vicious growls -- all culminate for one emphatically crushing debut album. The artwork on this release was done by Paulo Girardi and represents the seven-headed beast from revelations. He definitely did a great job as the menacing aura of the music and artwork go extremely well together. All in all, if you're looking for some decidedly solid Death Metal that's more or less akin to getting your head stomped in by a giant beast, then "Overwhelming Chaos" will undoubtedly do the trick. For fans of: Cruciamentum, Dead Congregation, Ritualization. (HT)

https://uncreationgods.bandcamp.com/releases

EP review: Larvae - Sickening Cadaveric Perversion (2020)

 

Larvae - Sickening Cadaveric Perversion (2020)

Italy/Romania

Independent

LARVAE is the putrid manifestation spawned from the darkest recesses of Lucilia's Sericata's morbid mind. The monstrosity that is LARVAE has its disgusting roots in Italy, but since Lucilia now resides in Romania, the band can be seen as an Italian/Romanian collaboration. The vocals are absolutely sick – even terrifying. I don't think I've heard many woman lay down such evil, eerie, and twisted vocals. (Sonya Sepulchral from BESTIAL HOLOCAUST is another great female vocalist that comes to mind.) There's even segments of maniacal laughter in the songs, which is quite inventive, if not disturbing. The music can be classified as Death/Doom, but of the heaviest, sickest kind. The atmosphere radiates pure fucking decay, as a variety of abysmal vocals are vomited over the mic, supported with riffs heavier than king kong's balls. The primitive drum beats by Disgusting Dennis are well done and fitting for this style. I like the implementation of horror movie samples, which definitely adds more texture to the music. You know you're in for something utterly morose when an EP is called “Sickening Cadaveric Perversion.” Fans of GOATLORD will go absolutely apeshit for LARVAE, as they embody the true and unholy essence of Death/Doom, but with an approach closer to early CARCASS in terms of themes. Overall, an excellent fucking EP that comes highly recommended. (HT)

https://larvae-gore.bandcamp.com/album/sickening-cadaveric-perversion-ep