Album review: Chestcrush - Vdelygmia (2021)

Chestcrush - Vdelygmia

Scotland

Independent

A while ago I reviewed the UK-based (originally from Greece) band Chestcrush’s killer 4-track demo, and now it’s time to review their debut full-length called “Vdelygmia” which will be out 14^th July.

Musically, the sound on this album can be described as an amalgamation of blackened death, sludge and grindcore. The whole thing is pretty ferocious and seems to hit on themes pertaining to mental health and the current political/theocratical situation in Greece. In comparison to their demo, Chestcrush seems to have taken it up a notch with a greater level of technicality and heaviness, with an outcome that is more extreme than the previous release. Tempos are all over the place, ranging from crushing mid-paced parts to fast and relentless blasting. One of the band’s strengths is that you can hear all the instruments, and when combined, you realise just how absolutely crushing it all sounds. The atmosphere is totally nightmarish and feels like one hellish fever dream. The vocals are totally overpowering, mixing mid-range, savage bellows with black metal shrieks. The production works perfectly for the assemblage of genres on display here. The title “Vdelygmia” is a Greek word (originally spelled “Βδελυγμία“) which means “abomination.” it’s a very fitting title in the context of how foreboding and dark the overall atmosphere is on this album. There’s a strong black metal current running in these lads’ veins.

Chestcrush’s brand of sludgy, dark, and dissonant blackened death will leave the listener battered and wanting more. For fans of: Ulcerate, Dragged Into Sunlight, Morbid Angel, etc. (HT)

EP review: Penny Coffin - Τεφρα (2021)

Penny Coffin - Τεφρα

Scotland

Self-released

The debut EP by Scottish trio, Penny Coffin, offers three tracks of unholy, knuckle-dragging Death Metal that leaves more than just a few dead hippies in its wake. The music is reasonably well-recorded, with a production job that allows everything to be heard and stand out. The band employs blood-curdling vocals with meaty, galloping riffs that is nothing short of devastating. The guitars sometimes venture into more technical territory, with riffs sharp enough to cut through bone. This whole release induces a menacing atmosphere augmented by an array of sludgy rhythms and heavy low-end. The drums are mixed well and consists of various tempos that compliment the music. I didn’t hear any solos in the mix, although, the songs does not seem to lack any depth without them and are well executed regardless. If you’re looking for something slightly different, yet still totally heavy as fuck, then check it out. “Τεφρα” is an auspicious first offering and a hint of what the future holds for the band. For fans of: Cruciamentum, Cerebral Rot, Diabolizer.  (HT) 

DEMO REVIEW: Chestcrush – Demo June 2020

 

Chestcrush – Demo June 2020

Scotland

FHED

Chestcrush is a band situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, with roots in Greece. The release under review is their debut demo and was released by the Welsh label, FHED. Musically speaking, their style is a devastating amalgamation of Black, Death, and Sludge Metal. The band fuses these styles together cohesively and by adding their own unique flavour. Consequently, the music is well crafted and can easily be digested due to the excellent quality of the compositions. The production is massive and brings out the best in each performance, giving the whole thing a very crushing atmosphere. The dynamic range and aggressive approach of the vocals gives this demo a veritably menacing edge paired with the monstrously heavy dissonance conjured by the guitars. Chestcrush is definitely a band that lives up to their name: the weight of their music will crush your mind and soul. This demo must be a sign of good things to come. Check them out if you're looking for something heavy, sludgy, and dark. (HT)