EP REVIEW: Abortofacient - In the Crypt of Gore (2022)

 

Abortofacient - In the Crypt of Gore

Belgium

Nuclear War Now!

 

Why am I reviewing a death metal EP that was recorded in February 2021 and released in July 2022 (according to Discogs)?  

Firstly, it is really that darned good (to me, obviously).  Secondly, I find it quite shocking that despite being released by the prestigious NWN! label there is no ‘proper’ online review or feature of this band or the EP (save for two Instagram posts and a YouTube unboxing video haha). Not even in Encyclopaedia Metallum……Unless there is something wrong with my google search engine or word search skills. If not, this would be a right ‘exclusive' for Death by Hammer zine; you read it here first, folks! 

This band is a trio (Bone Consumer, Puking Guts and Rotten Putrid) from Belgium and the EP follows from their 2020 demo Corpus Rotting. The CD version is a must to own as it includes the 3-track demo that was only released on tape. This is some seriously primal and primeval death metal from the depths (of the crypts, duh); everything moves at slow to midtempo pace with no groove, no churn, no speedy blastbeats (very few, and at not more than a canter), etc. 

The music, vocals and atmosphere are just so thick, filthy, and musty, and the whole affair suffocates with marvelous finesse. This is the soundtrack to the crypt residents clambering out of their resting places to hunt down the team of archaeologists for a hearty wwwwuuuurrrghhhhhhhh meal. 

Since getting this, I have played the shuck out of it (I may need a second sealed copy soon, maybe the vinyl as well ahaha). I cannot recommend this enough to anyone who likes a slow n’ steady sewage fest for their death metal. (Unkle Superion) 

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. 

Album review: Caveman Cult - Blood and Extinction (2021)

 

Caveman Cult - Blood and Extinction

USA

Nuclear War Now!

Chaos reigns supreme on Caveman Cult's latest full-length, entitled "Blood and Extinction", released via Nuclear War Now!

On the band's latest album, we are presented with nine tracks of decidedly violent, bestial black/death informed by bands such as Bestial Warlust, Conqueror and Blasphemy, while also blending hardcore punk elements into their sound.

These cavemen manage to achieve a really abrasive sound, as they belch out a torrent of profoundly savage riffs, eminently harsh vocals, as well as chaotic and cavernous drumming that never lets up – all this combined will leave you with bleeding ears, including their penchant for fast and ripping solos, showing their adoration for this style.

The sound of Caveman Cult can easily be distinguished from other bands in this genre due to their rhythmic percussion and signature tempo changes. They also sound considerably more vitriolic than most bands who attempt this style, including the fact that the songs are rather direct, as they eschew anything remotely filler, which makes this a profoundly savage release reminiscent of a band like Conqueror. Moreover, they even employ Conqueror-esque riffs, which are done so well, and not to mention absolutely crushing and heavy as fuck. The production on this release is quite raw, but not in an unintelligible way. It’s actually perfect for this style and really brings out the best sound possible for the band.

As each track storms in and rages with unholy vengeance, the next track follows with a similar intensity. There's enough variety and depth to the music to warrant repeated listens. Anyone into vicious, bestial black/death, or war metal that's executed with absolute inexorable rage will fucking love this release. Recommended to fans of Abysmal Lord, Invultation, and Deiphago. (HT)