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)

Interview: Blinder (Cuba)

 

The following interview was conducted with Eric Domenech, frontman and vocalist of the Cuban Death Metal band, BLINDER.  

1. Hails! Can you tell us something about the formation of BLINDER and which bands influenced your sound?

BLINDER is a Melodic Death Thrash Metal band originally from the city of Santa Clara, Cuba, it was formed in 1998 after the disintegration of Medium, one of the most prestigious and energetic Cuban metal bands in those years. In reality, we have been influenced by several bands and different genres, not to mention that each of us has our own references that have benefited us when creating, although we always try to be ourselves.

2. How's the scene in your city Santa Clara? Do you feel like it’s hard to get noticed as a band due to being from Cuba?

Santa Clara is known as the metal city of Cuba for its relevant history within national rock, especially within metal. It is also known for organizing the oldest and most important rock festival in the country called Ciudad Metal, of which I was the organizer for 15 years. It has been quite difficult for Cuban bands to make ourselves known both outside and inside the country and more due to the limitations and obstacles of the system we have, however we are persevering and have made discrete progress.

3. How would you describe the sound of Blinder to those who have never heard you before?

We are a band with 25 years of existence with a sound characterized essentially by a Death Metal base and over time we have been incorporating influences from Melodeath, thrash and technicalism as well as elements of Afro-Cuban folk in search of a certain identity.

4. I listened to your album "Syncretic" from 2016 “and I really enjoyed it. I feel like this album has a unique sound and the underproduced sound gives it an organic feel. What can you tell us about the recording of this album and looking back on it now, are you happy with the result?

In reality, the sound achieved was not intentional, our aspirations were to obtain a high-level product but we did not have a decent recording studio or an experienced producer, so we had to make do with the few resources available, but the most important thing was show our music and in my opinion the objective was more than achieved despite everything.

5. Can you tell us about your lyrics and what kind of topics you explore?

I am quite open when it comes to composing lyrics as long as it identifies with the music we make, Cuba is a quite atypical country and it serves as a source of inspiration for me without fall into social or political issues.

6. How is life for the average metalhead in Cuba? Would you consider music as a form of escapism? I have noticed that people in Cuba are really passionate about music and very supportive of local bands, regardless of the restrictions in your country.

The desire to release and perform the music that we feel and that runs strongly through our veins plus the support that we have constantly had from the public that has always been and will be a great source of inspiration, all of this revitalizes you and gives you energy to face the future and it encourages you to continue composing more songs, make recordings and continue playing as long as we can.

7. What are 10 albums you can't live without?

There are many albums that have marked my life, they are:

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV

Van Halen - Van Halen I

Mercyful Fate - Don't break the Oath

Slayer - Reign in Blood

Metallica - Master of Puppets

Metallica - Ride the lightning

Death - Spiritual Healing

Entombed- Left hand Path

Morbid Angel - Altar of Madness

Dream Theater - Images and Words

There are many more but remember these have been the most important.

8. I like the cover art for Syncretic! It has an underground aesthetic and appeal. What was the idea behind it and who did the artwork?

I am a graduate of the professional art school so I am in charge of all the design and graphic concept of the band, I had made the cover some time ago as part of a series of drawings that I made and we were given the opportunity to edit the album spontaneously and it seemed like the right one to reflect the idea we were looking for with the album.

9. What albums have you been listening to lately? Do you have any favorite albums from 2023?

I listen to a lot of music and different genres of metal, I liked the latest ones from The Halo Effects, Aborted, In Flames, Orbit Culture, Cannibal Corpse..., and from 2023 one of the albums that impressed me the most was Cattle Decapitation – Terrasite.

10. Does the environment influence your outlook and inspire you to be creative as a musician?

Exactly as I mentioned before, my lyrics reflect the environment that surrounds me and the same thing happens with music in the creation process, Cuba is a very different country and what better reason to make brutal music, haha.

11. Do metal bands in Cuba support each other or is there a lot of competition in the scene?

The Cuban metal scene has always been united and there are no differences, you can see a show with metal, punk or grunge bands at the same time, this unity has allowed us to form a solid movement that is very necessary to confront the prejudices and obstacles we face subjected.

12. Thank you for your time! Before we end this interview, can you tell us something about your future plans and when you will record your next album?

At the moment we are immersed and working very hard on new songs with the idea of recording a new album by the end of the year, in fact we are already handling special guests and we come with a more technical, fresh and aggressive sound. I just have to thank you for the interview and for your great support.

Album review: Ancient Malignity - Dehumanization Dawn (2024)

 

Ancient Malignity - Dehumanization Dawn

 

USA

 

Inhuman Assault Productions (CD/Cassette/LP)

Reno-based militia Ancient Malignity is one of those exemplary bands that meet every little criteria in order to be labelled “war metal,” mastering the style down to the last detail. The group also features members of black/death acts like Ritual Genocide, Triumph and Blasphemous Creation, all of whom are respectable in their own right. “Dehumanization Dawn” is the trio’s second album since 2020’s self-titled and was released via Thailand's Inhuman Assault Productions.

When you listen to this band and look at their imagery, it’s not too hard to spot the Revenge influence, although I give the band credit for not being a complete carbon-copy and for crafting a style that sets them apart from the legion of Revenge-inspired bands. Aside from the all-too-obvious reference mentioned above, there are also trace elements of bands like Goatpenis and Abhorer, including a good dose of death metal influence running in their veins. This is a winning formula for the band, coupled with a raw production that only adds to the hellish feel of the music. The music is mainly mid-paced, although they do slow it down from time to time, with some gritty grind tempos in between.

Despite the relatively straight-forward nature of the music, the band's themes are decidedly thought-provoking and profound. A good example of this is the track “Indoctrination Terror Offense,” which is about the media terrorizing the populace with propaganda in order to indoctrinate them; and the aptly titled “Pedoswine Obsolescence” is self-explanatory of their stance regarding dicier transgressions.

The military-style drumming is on point and offers a variety of inventive fills and tempo changes, while the morbid vocals are venomously spewed over a series of slashing guitars and repulsive bass riffs. Despite all the instruments being comprehensible, there's a certain rawness to their sound that is all-too-fitting for this style, and honestly, I do not think an overly polished production would have had the same effect and taken away many of its qualities. This album succeeds in conveying an atmosphere of hate and blasphemy, and the more I listen to it, the more I like it, including the fact that the length of this release feels complete and satisfying at 36 minutes.

I recommend all maniacs who are into underground and blasphemous, bestial black/death to check this band out, as it has everything that you could possibly look for in this style. Stand-out tracks: “Indoctrination Terror Offense”, “Abomination Experiment, “Algorithmic Brainwash Entity” (Jim)

Interview: A.M.S.G.

 

The following interview is with Angelfukk Witchhammer, the creative force behind Canadian black metal outlaws A.M.S.G. and formerly of Ouroboros. 

1. Infernal hails! What does A.M.S.G. stand for? (Both musically and ideologically.)

AW: A.M.S.G. stands for “Ad Majorem Satanae Gloriam,” which translates to "For the Greater Glory of Satan." Musically, it represents a dedication to crafting art that embodies the ethos of the band's beliefs. Ideologically, it is a commitment to the tenets of spiritual rebellion or anti-cosmism, associated with Left-Hand Path beliefs.

2. Black metal is now seen as this “cool” social club, which consequently attracts all kinds of degenerate scum. However, I’m pretty sure your views are on the contrary?

AW: These days it is filled with posers, backstabbers, police rats and squid goof tranny loving faggots and the whole thing needs to be nuked.

Black metal has always been the anti-mainstream, so of course the mainstream leeches onto it like a parasite trying to kill the purity if its essence, hence the nature of the beast. Mainstream society has the fundamentals to destroy the person and ideal and make it a slave, and everything it touches in that matter as well, such as Black Fucking Metal! Where black metal is an ideal of purity and higher consciousness self-devout to the darkness, embracing the conquering flame.

3. I once read in an interview that you were imprisoned for a while. For how long, if I may ask, and what was the offense? Do you regret anything?

AW: In total I was sentenced to 6 years...I did 5.

The charges I did time for was:

- Trafficking narcotics

- Trafficking guns

- Possession of explosives

- Possession of proceeds of crime

- Possession of human remains

- Assault of a deadly weapon

I regret nothing!!!! And never will.

To be an outlaw in this society is freedom.

To be a slave to the weak Abrahamic society is a slow death of dishonour of the true self

Imprisonment was an outcome of the individual self-rising above the weak and feeble society set in Abrahamic ways.

Yes, it sucks that it had to happen but such are the way of things and unfortunate. Yes, the experience made me grow a lot and taught me many things in order to become sheer iron will.

Am I sorry for what I did? Ha! Not in endless lifetimes! We are at war with this poisonous Abrahamic world order and I will fight until no air fills these lungs. I call on all true maniacs and conquerors to rise up and fight!

4. What inspired the idea to incorporate a saxophone on your debut album “Anti-cosmic Tyranny” and who plays it? It’s not particularly common in black metal, although I feel like it added a different dynamic and more depth.

AW: Ahh the saxophone...such a depraved instrument! I love it....and growing up it was the mighty NECROMANTIA that broadened my horizons there musically mixing other instruments into the usual guitar bass drum format of black metal, and also being a fan of jazz music.

Hey, this is fucking black metal! Why write in a box? Sure, some are ok like that...but it can get repetitive. For a person with an actual brain you need some stimulants and growth...adding extra layers of music would add more depth and a better outcome.

We've used saxophone now in anti-cosmic tyranny and Hostis Universi Generis and for the track that was in that 4 way split.

That saxophone player is a guy I used to go to high school with and he's a total maniac.

He was going thru some insane shit during anticosmic recordings as his girlfriend just killed herself and he came home and found her....crazy shitI We are a band surrounded by death and chaos.

We brought him into the studio and showed him what we had and he just played his parts

And every time he's done it we are blown away by what it adds to the recording. It is a great fit for what we are trying to achieve musically which brings you to more of a higher consciousness realm.

5. The drummer Kaos Abhorrer that played on Anti-Cosmic Tyranny sadly passed away in 2014, although I was never informed about the cause of death. Can you please tell us what had actually happened?

AW: Kaos Abhorrer brought the right mindset and what black metal is really about to the band for the drummer position. What a tragic loss there. A loss of a bandmate and brother, but I respect his decision.

He was a true warrior chaos bringer and friend, unlike the past drummer who was a jealous rat cop calling no good dog that needs to die, he has no honor and never will.

Kaos Abhorrer is a king and he will forever be praised as a true fucking black metal maniac and true honorable brother! I hail to you brother, I hope you are riding the crests of chaos in that next transcendence!

He hanged himself because he worshiped DEATH

6. What are some of the themes you explore with A.M.S.G., and can you cite any literature or movies that have left a lasting impression on you?

AW: Ahh well there are many influences!

And as you already mentioned Nietzsche and H.P Lovercraft are definitely in there.

For films I love:  Lars von Trier, Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch,

David Cronenberg and his son Brandon are great, Zack snyder, Christopher Nolan are all great directors of films I enjoy, Amongst so many others, classic horrors Fulchi etc.

As for books well...many occult and philosophy literature I have in my collection

Such as Alistar Crowley, Current 218, Thomas Karlson and the mighty Dragon Rouge teachings, Toby Chappell's Infernal Geometry and the left hand path, The keys of solomon, The Temple of the Golden Dawn, Eliphas Levi, Diabolic Gnosticism by Christophe Kafyrfos, Marcus Aureluous, Might is Right, Promethous Rising by Robert Anton Wilson, Aldous Huxley, Carl Jung, Hunter S. Thompson, Ravenscroft Spear of Destiny, Thule Society, H.P Blavatsky the secret Docturine to name a few, if you know what I'm talking about then you know what's up.

7. Black metal means different things to different people, but what does it mean to you specifically? Does it define your personality?

AW: Black metal is a way and code of living life. As you can see it does define my personality I think as I live a true black metal lifestyle, unlike alot of poser false fukks that claim to be harsh or preach bm lifestyle but live nothing of the sort

Black metal is devoted to satan, death, chaos, no tolerance and supremacy of the higher consciousness self.

All these weak bands trying to copy the sound of black metal...call themselves black metal is a total disgrace and ripp off! (Of course there are genres of black metal, i guess how would you describe let’s say the early Enslaved albums etc.? But these aren't black metal if you get what I'm saying?) If all these new hipster goofs or tranny loving every one is welcome or commies (you all know who I'm talking about) can fuck right off, they actually need to be wood chippered from the feet first cause these fukks need to be cleansed, along with all the other scumfukk douchbags out there!

Less parasitical people out there the better, so please...do us all a favour and take all the vaccines and listen to what the government tells you hahahahahaha

What a pathetic and unreal reality we live in.

Split the atoms!

8. Do you think an internet warrior preaching the gospel of black metal from the basement of his grandmother’s house is doing any good?

AW: Well that all depends on the guy...did he live a black metal life? Contribute in anyway? Taking care of his grandmother? Or some chump squid goof that does nothing but go online in his grandmother's house about black metal weak scene shit? Woodchipper!

True black metal magic people are few from the exploits of the mass Infiltration of all these scene point fukks that take up space and breathe my air.

9. What are 10 albums you can’t live without?

AW: Tough one, 10 albums no idea!

Albums:

- Destruction - Sentence of death

- Dissection - All

- Metallica first 4

- Slayer show no mercy

- Mercyful Fate - Melissa

-Spear of Longinus - Nazi Occult Metal

- King Diamond - Abigail

- Slaughter lord -

- Morbid Angel - Altars of madness

- Infernal majesty - None Shall Defy

Bands:

Beherit, Voivod, Disciples of power, Necromantia, Bestial warlust, Bathory, Thergothon, etc.

10. Can you elaborate a little on the themes pertaining to your last album “Hostis Universi Generis”? What are songs like “The Exodus of All Life” and “Broken Chains of Cursed Flesh” about?

AW: Themes of the last album is pure devotion to the anti-cosmic gnosis and of suffering and pain and misery to exist and walking the line of superion, those who walk the line know of which I speak. This is occult music so anyone who doesn't follow, do not entry.

Hostis Universi Generis in itself is the enemy of the universe. I am your enemy.

The exodus of all life refers to a prayer song ritual to the end of humanity.

Broken chains of cursed flesh is a monument to our fallen brother Kaos Abhorrer

11. Canada has some of the most extreme bands in the world. Do you think the weather somehow contribute to this phenomenon? Are Canadians a peaceful, laid-back bunch?

AW: Extreme?! More like unextreme today and totally lame safe-space metal brotherhoods holding hands under a rainbow pride flag, losers getting their dicks cut off, tranny dress wearing faggots like local Begrime Exemious/Revolator etc., is all I see these days and people with no fucking clue what black metal is or extreme music in general.... it's very safe-space and weak-minded. A total shit film cover that won't go away. And now bands that stood the line now bend the knee for example Revenge who used to be solid as fukkkk! Walked the line, but now has a member that is a total left wing antifa supporter faggot wimp who plays in another band Black Death Cult with two trannies in it and he releases pro antifa albums on his tranny label....total weakness! Infiltrated! I never thought reality would turn out this way, but here we are.

I'll fight till death! No compromise! Supremacy thru intolerance!

There are true bands here and I hail them!

12. Are there any bands that A.M.S.G. share a musical/ideological kinship with?

AW: TRUE BLACK METAL MANIACS

The bands were in contact with know who they are

13. Your thoughts on the following:

* Justin Trudeau - One of the biggest pieces of shit to ever exist, this commie pedo scum fukk!!!! He is a traitor to Canada and to its citizens and deserves the worst!

* Kanye West - Count ye! He freed the Burzum from its cage hahaha. What a bizzare world we live in. All these mainstream celebrities loving black metal. It's also ruining black metal. Most of these people are the worst kind. A tleast he is against the Abrahamic poison it appears.

But all in all, I don't even fucking know...just fucked right up!

* Abigor - One of the best black metal bands to exist, Hail to them! Supreme Immortal art indeed!

* Sepultura - Sepultura used to good....then they went off some path and totally suck! Fuck them now...only the first four is cult.

* Sadistik Exekution - One of the most extreme metal bands to ever exist, out of Australia! All Glory and praise to these maniacs.

14. Lastly, How does the future look for A.M.S.G? Do you have anything to say to all the haters out there and people who got offended?

AW: My visions and appreciations are a swastika swirling, conquering riding the wave of chaos always! To my haters? Hahahaha those weak pathetic jealous fucks! They will never win and I will kill them when and if I can, those who have it coming! And my aim is to always walk the path of superion and strive forward into the new dawn! AMSG just re-released our first EP with live tracks and the 4 way split on Atolinga rex. As for future albums just wait and see...there will be something from the darkness and madness.

Either join us or hate us, haters can put a gun in their mouth and pull that trigger fukk offfff!!!!! Same to the people who are offended!!!! You are weak and should be eradicated from this existence.

As always, hail the end and hail the true maniacs we are in contact with!

Album review: Abyssal Rift - Extirpation Dirge (2023)

Abyssal Rift - Extirpation Dirge

USA

Sentient Ruin Laboratories

 

The cover art (by Jesse Nihil) beguiles and perfectly complements the music therein; a charred blackened being emerging from the darkness with vengeance in its eyes and an open mouth dribbling with hatred and curses.
 
“Extirpation Dirge” is a musical journey for falling into a hole in the ground; careening through a winding network of tunnels before you are released into the Abyss. As you fall freely you feel the hands of the damned reaching out to touch and grab you, the weeping choir resounding. You hear, from beneath, the echoing roar of the beast which signifies your impending end……wwwwuuuuuurrrrggghhhhhh!!!!!
 
Helmed by multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Max Auxier with drums by David Mahoney and mixing/mastering from Will Killingsworth, Abyssal Rift’s innovation is to seamlessly fuse cavernous pounding black/death with death doom and progressive/space rock plus a sprinkling of post-metal. Reads like a confused musical clusterfuck but I assure you it is not (also assure you that I am not confused hahah); I marvel at how many musical styles I am experiencing almost simultaneously, while nonetheless encountering the same dark being as depicted on the cover art.
 
This journey is six tracks long with a running time of less than 37 mins; it twists & turns, pummels, and pulls you apart, leaving you broken and bloodied, wanting to get back on that rollercoaster to Hell…………a must! (Unkle Superion)

 

EP review: Eskhaton - Horracle (2022)

Eskhaton - Horracle

 

Australia

 

Hells Headbangers

 

“Horracle” is a mini-album by Australian death metal juggernauts, Eskhaton, which was released in 2022 via Hells Headbangers. It contains five tracks of some of the most punishing shit you’ll ever hear. This is the band’s fifth release, and they have not lowered the intensity or quality. This consistency cements them as one of the best extreme metal acts from down under.
 
Eskhaton plays death metal, and it is some of the heaviest and most chaotic the genre has to offer. Of course, there is also a hint of black metal with the nightmarish atmosphere that the dissonant guitars evoke. They share a number of similarities with countrymen Impetuous Ritual and Portal in terms of the all-out chaos, though they have enough unique traits in their arsenal to set them apart. Simply put, they sound like a cross between Dead Congregation and Impetuous Ritual. A thick dissonance encompasses the songs along with an abundance of frenzied leads and riffs to compliment the carnage.
 
"Horracle" consists of only five tracks totaling 29 minutes; however, while this short run time would normally be a deficit, it is actually one of the album’s strengths due to how straight-forward it is – no interludes, just pure mayhem and violence. Additionally, the band displays a level of craftsmanship that is above average and verges on technical, while still retaining a barbaric element. In fact, listening to the riffs on this record, their complexity only serves to accentuate the overall insanity that the music seeks to convey – truly order within chaos. To the average newcomer, this is “noise,” but for those with an appreciation for this style of metal, it shows forth unparalleled genius.
 
The roaring vocals and surging lava riffs on “Omnicidol” open the record hellishly, making your head spin before “Khaossuary” picks up the aural bazooka, and blasts everything in its path with unyielding ferocity. There is no letting up once this disc starts; this powerhouse of a release will pound you mercilessly with murderous execution. Clocking in at over eight minutes, “Nethereal,” the closing track, is the lengthiest track; it devastatingly drives this release to a violent end.
 
Horracle’s five tracks feel complete, and I definitely recommend this album to fans of bands like Blasphemy, Portal, Heresiarch, Impetuous Ritual, etc. I strongly urge the reader to check out their other albums, as this is not even their best release. Regardless, this is an excellent album through and through, and one of the highlights from 2022. (Jim)

Demo review: Purulency - Transcendent Unveiling of Dimensions (2024)

Purulency - Transcendent Unveiling of Dimensions

 

USA

 

Caligari Records / Pulverised Records / Morbid Cellar Records

 
 
My first actual 2024 review, and this is a serious stunner of a debut demo from a band formed in 2018 in Tennessee, USA. But it looks like things only took off when 3 new members came onboard in 2022. These days, with all the advances in recording tech and the number of small-scale artist-run studios, it really is harder now to record a demo on a beat-up 4-track cassette recorder in the toilet and then mix it on a shoddy system in the wardrobe.
 
“Transcendent Unveiling of Dimensions” is filthy, rotten, knuckle-dragging death metal in widescreen; like the album artwork, the swarming mass of wwuuurrrrggghhhhhh comes straight at you, through a portal that tears through our space-time fabric. Thankfully, things are still in lovely monochrome; the sound is big, expansive and solidly defined, but rounded and organic enough to feel the sludgy flesh n’ effluent mass encapsulate and absorb you with its loving wwwurrrrghhhhhh embrace! There are definitely (Stockholm) Swedish and Finnish death metal influences that permeate throughout, but successfully merged and blended into a new entity.
 
The fact that this got picked up by 3 different labels (in 3 different countries) should convince any OSDM fan of the quality of the filth contained here; if there's any "hype", it's certainly justified! (Unkle Superion)

Album review: Heresiarch - Edifice (2024)

Heresiarch - Edifice

 

New Zealand

 

Iron Bonehead Productions

 

The second album by New Zealand’s Heresiarch titled “Edifice” is a continuation of their relentless and uncompromising black/death metal that they’ve been belching out since their formation in 2008.
 
Seven years is a quite a lengthy gap between two albums, which begs the question: was it worth the wait? A resounding YES. The latest album is an all-out barrage of apocalyptic violence, featuring ten tracks of caustic black/death metal cut from the same cloth as compatriots Vesicant, Diocletian and Witchrist, but also featuring trace elements of bands like Conqueror and Angelcorpse.
 
From the music to the themes to the art, Heresiarch casts a dark shadow over the listener, offering no relief from its ferocious and unrestrained sonic assault that makes the earth tremble and the sky turn black. The emphatically aggressive vocals that lead the charge are utterly scornful, adding a crucial facet to their sound that is part of the reason the music is so relentless. A strong vocal presence is important if you want to pull off this style properly. The rapid execution of the instruments and pulverizing drums send the listener into a state of shell-shock as the music blasts over you in blitzkrieg fashion with uninterrupted hostility and maximum force.
 
“Forged Doctrine” inaugurates the madness and wastes no time laying down the law with a maelstrom of chaos and savage rhythms, while the following (and shorter) “Manifest Odium” has an Incantation-esque twang before “Noose Upon The Abyss” completely blusters you into submission with its resolute discharge of mayhem and blunt-force heaviness.
 
Not only is "Edifice" profoundly crushing but it also flawlessly performed, which is complemented by a production that I might add is perfect for this style; it has a natural sound but also enhances the performance as a whole and gives it an audible quality. As for the artwork, I’m not going to lie, I absolutely adore the cover. It has a sort of totalitarian, post-apocalyptic setting and fits the music well. Tempo-wise, the album ranges from pounding mid-tempo rhythms to faster sections, but also slows down at the appropriate moments, showing their penchant for doomier nuances.
 
"Edifice" is one of the most punishing albums of the year, so there’s no doubt in my mind that the seven years since their last album have been absolutely worth the wait as this is easily the best release they’ve put out until date. (Jim) 

Album review: Helgrind - Fides Celtiberia (2024)

 

Helgrind - Fides Celtiberia

 

Cuba

 

Independent / Self-released

 
 
The pagan metallers from Cuba are back with their epic third album, entitled “Fides Celtiberia.” The album was independently released, although I’m pretty sure it won’t be long before a label picks it up, as it is a masterpiece through and through.
 
If memory serves, Helgrind is one of the first bands I heard from Cuba. Their previous album “Return to Motherland” was a truly memorable experience of triumphant black/viking metal, and the new album is no less impressive with its discharge of fierce melodies, epic choruses and all-around excellent songwriting.
 
“Fides Celtiberia” strikes a seamless balance between all-out aggression and more sombre moments – which are quite captivating to say the least – although when it gets heavy, it gets HEAVY. So that’s definitely an aspect I appreciate about this album.
 
The leads and guitar work are one of the focal points of the album and convey so much emotion that you almost feel like you are embarking on a journey to medieval times, and that’s exactly what the album manages to do: it exudes an ancient atmosphere, and the clean choruses add another dimension of depth to the whole experience.
 
The black metal vocals are well done and stand out in the mix, reminding me of Werewolf of Satanic Warmaster. Sure, there are obvious black metal elements, and there’s no denying that fans of the genre might even find this appealing, although given the rather clear production and folk elements in the music, I feel that blackened viking metal or pagan metal are probably more apt descriptors.
 
The band doesn’t forget to show off their old-school side, as there are some thrash elements thrown in as well, but these guys definitely have experience when it comes to composing metal with compositional depth, as I was fully immersed for the entire duration of “Fides Celtiberia”, whether I was raising my fist to the sing-along choruses or banging my head to the heavier, more brutal moments – everything you need in a metal album is here.
 
Truth be told, I've never really been a big fan of folk-infused black metal, but Helgrind have made me a fan. “Fides Celtiberia” is a truly unforgettable experience and one of those albums you should definitely own a physical copy of. One of the greatest metal albums the underground has to offer in 2024. Stand-out tracks: “A Spanish Son” “Pride, Blood and Honor” “Great Kingdom of Ancient Land” (Jim)

DEMO REVIEW: Käptör - Thräshättäkk (2024)

Käptör – Thräshättäkk

Estonia

Gatekeeper Records

 

There’s no denying the quality of the Estonian underground scene, with killer bands like Goatsmegma, Lein, Skullfukk SS, Koffin, Thunraz, etc. Käptör is another band worthy of adding to the list, having just released their bone-crushing debut demo, aptly titled “Thräshättäkk”. I haven’t heard any thrash bands from Estonia prior to reviewing this demo, so it’s always cool to hear new and upcoming bands, particularly from Northern Europe.
 
The demo consists of three tracks and has a playing time of about twelve minutes, and in that short time you get to hear a healthy dose of methamphetamine-induced street thrash reminiscent of bands like Slayer, Dark Angel and Overkill. For a first demo, the band shows a lot of promise, though I have a feeling they will explore their arsenal a bit more on future releases in terms of finding their identity. I like the raw approach and fast riffing, along with the totally analog sound of this recording, which almost sounds like a rehearsal.
 

The vocals have a crossover feel to them and are effectively executed, while the drums are energetic and non-stop. The riffs are pretty deadly and one of the band’s strong points. There’s definitely something special about these guys: I mean, just look at the artwork – it’s cool as hell and screams ‘80s thrash worship, while the song titles like “Speed & Pöwer” and “Förce öf the Käptör” are simply badass and say a lot about the band’s attitude. All in all, Käptör’s first demo is a solid entry into the world of thrash and shows a band with a lot of potential, so let’s hope they stick around for a few more releases so we can follow their progress. Solid effort.