Album review: Vrykolakas - And Vrykolakas Brings Chaos and Destruction (2021)

Vrykolakas – And Vrykolakas Brings Chaos and Destruction

Singapore

Dark Blasphemies Records (CD) / Vidar Records (12’ Vinyl) / Sadist Records (CD/Tape)

I'm not gonna lie, I've only recently came across the name Vrykolakas while accepting promo submissions, and I have to say that the band and the album in question are certainly a nasty surprise considering the level of depth that encompass the songs on this Singaporean band's latest album, "And Vrykolakas Brings Chaos And Destruction".

This whole album is solidly executed death metal through and through with razor-sharp riffing, which brings to mind the best of bands like Morbid Angel, Mortem, Sadistic Intent and even more modern bands like Necros Christos (especially when it comes to the vocals). I have heard a fair share of bands from Singapore, and I can safely assert without a doubt that Vrykolakas is one of the best I have heard from that country.

The new album is a punishing affair of pummeling death metal that blows you away with brutal and sick riffs. It sounds like they put a lot of effort into the construction of the riffs, as the guitarist is basically a damn riff machine. It's incredible to think that the band only consists of three members, considering the finely crafted output. The drummer displays a nice variety of beats and fills and I must be frank, the production suits the music in this case as it gives it a very crisp, clear and powerful sound. Every segment on this album complements each other as the music is exceptionally well-put together and fun to listen to. The vocalist emits a perfect mid-range growl reminiscent of none other than Mors Dalas Ra of Necros Christos. 

The compositions are also quite lengthy, yet never gets dull for a second, as each song is replete with an array of killer riff phrases, devilish vocal lines and top-notch drumming that hits harder than a train at full speed. That being said, if you want to hear one of the best death metal albums of 2021, then do not hesitate to check out this beast. It's worth picking up and I can not recommend it enough. (HT)

Album review: Warkvlt – Deathymn (2020)

 

Warkvlt – Deathymn – Full Length (2020)

Indonesia

Sadist Records

Previously known as Impish, Warkvlt from West Java, Indonesia, presents their new album, “Deathymn,” released by their home label, Sadist Records. The band brings the war with a no-holds-barred assault of begrimed black metal terror that goes straight for the throat. Interestingly, there's a theme behind the album which consists of three parts: Blood, Fire, and Death. The music does a good job at conjuring an apocalyptic atmosphere, with songs comprised of militant drums, throat-slitting riffs, and a belligerent vocal attack. The band is all about being heavy and fast, but also makes use of some radical melodies to stomp the weak. The vocal effects on “Plague” is pretty cool, and I think the band should do more songs like that, as well as adding a few solos here and there: that would add more texture to the music. There's nothing particularly “fresh” about Warkvlt's brand of war black metal, so if you're looking for something innovative, then look elsewhere. “Deathymn” is a collection of straight-forward, stubborn black metal tunes, that will appeal to those with a penchant for the more hard-edged underground stuff. Check it out if you enjoy Southeast Asian bands like Infernal Execrator, Diabolical, Zygoatsis, etc. (HT)

https://warkvlt.bandcamp.com/