Prosanctus Inferi - Pandemonic Ululations of Vesperic Palpitations [2010]

Prosanctus Inferi are perhaps one of the more interesting black/death bands that are releasing material today. While many other bands focus on the brutality and pounding ferocity that was first shown in bands like Blasphemy, Prosanctus Inferi lean towards more complex riffing and awkward structures. The duo obviously have their roots absorbed deep within black metal soil, because there’s less death metal that goes around on this album, and when it does show itself up, it’s always conjured in its most evil and vile form, a la Incantation. With the vocals drowned out almost completely, the task of performing their music is left to the guitars and drums, both of which play an immense role in the development of the record. Despite the short songs (never going over the three minute mark), they cram up lots of material into individual tunes, making for lots of different things going on and seemingly being all over the place as “Pandemonic Ululations of Vesperic Palpitations” tumbles and fights through hostile and barbaric war ground.

The cover art is a perfect representation of what their music sounds like: i.e. awkward riffing with lots of different phases in songs, sounding at times a bit incoherent and out of place. Thankfully, as previously stated, all of the songs are kept at a short length, so the listener won’t be left entirely overwhelmed. However, their music does tend to become quite tiresome and repetitive after having listened to five or six tunes, and after the whole twenty-five minute journey of thirteen resilient songs is over, the listener is sure to be left feeling worn out and confused. Black Witchery-esque tremolo riffs are the main sight on this album, woven together with some eerie and discordant passages and other Incantation-styled sweltering death metal riffs. There is almost nothing ‘catchy’ about this album, so if catchy is what your looking for, look elsewhere, get out while you still can and avoid this album at all costs. Unholy riffing is wrought in incredibly complex and fast patterns, leaving no room for the listener to take a break from the demonic slaughter and exaltation of sinful might, with song names that probably very few are able to pronounce properly. Dissimilarly to how other black/death bands like their production, the sound in “Pandemonic Ululations of Vesperic Palpitations” is actually quite discernible albeit encaged and somewhat stale.

The drums are seldom, if ever found doing something that isn’t incredibly fast and exhausting, always on par with the tremolo riffs and blasting their way to oblivion. Lots of crashes and changes from ride to hi-hat are seen, typically when the guitars move on to do something else as well. The vocals are as low as possible in the mix, with the guitars way up front, and they offer gritty, low and gloomy whispers that are hardly present in comparison to the other instruments. All in all, I found “Pandemonic Ululations…” to be a jumbled listen, and while I was very surprised at what their music had in store for me, it did have some great songs among other worse ones; though, it is certainly an interesting listen and a pleasing one for those who are avid fans of black/death metal, especially weirder bands like Portal and Impetuous Ritual, both of which are similar in terms of both peculiarity and awkwardness. A tormenting, disfiguring yet somewhat enjoyable listen.

75/100

-SmithMetal84

Nails - Unsilent Death [2010]

An Earth shaking album of unending face pounding magnitude. 

How many lifetimes must a man live before adequately preparing oneself to know how to rule this hard. Its like getting raped, you just can't prepare for it. Californian hardcore punk titans beat you to a pulp in this legendary album. This is simply just a fun listen; it really does make you want to jump up and punch someone until they die just because that sound is so brutally awesome! With a length of 13:54 this album will leave you begging for more and at the same time keeping things short and sweet.

For any fans of this genre can agree that one of the things that isn't a 100% necessary but can make an album a masterpiece is, oddly enough, the guitar feedback. It's amazing how hardcore punker thugs can take something that would be insanely annoying if you heard it during a power metal band's performance, and when played here or in others it lets you know shit is about to get real. But we all know that. Especially in the middle of tracks 4 and 5, "Suffering Soul" and "Unsilent Death", those build ups are supercharged when executed with the feedback.


But at that rate, that feedback would be nothing without their barbaric riffs! Barbaric would be a great way to describe them; very neanderthal and simple but far from boring. If you could play steroids through an amplifier this is what it would sound like. They have the speed of punk and will keep songs short, and then there will be songs like Unsilent Death that just has such awesome riffage; they vamp on it for a bit longer. They aren't restraining themselves by saying, "Oh, songs aren't supposed to be this short so we should right some filler to just add to length." And if the drums were any different their genre could be dramatically changed. It could be pretty close to grind if the drummer was all blasts.

Don't overlook this album just because the first thing it says on the Facebook info page is "Hardcore". Honestly, it was hard to tell this was even a hardcore album until the title track came in and screamed it at the top of its lungs. This is however something that one may not be able jam nonstop all day, which varies from person to person of course, but that is the only downside of then length of this album is that it just makes you want MORE! Bad ass would be an understatement for this monumental release. It took someone like me, who is very close minded towards hardcore and just turned me around.

90%


Favorite Tracks: Unsilent Death, Suffering Soul, Scum Will Rise, Traitor, Depths, Conform, Your God, Scapegoat, No Servant

Deus Otiosus - Murderer [2010]

These guys have a real talent for mixing thrash and death!

Here is something that really caught me off guard! A band who really knows how to mix to sub-genres together and not fail completely. These guys slaughter Denmark with a sound that resembles that of Obituary and big three German thrash; with some Deicide vocals! Starting around 2005 it would appear that they have released a live album, a demo of course, a split and then finally in 2010 this magnificent bastard.

It is a interesting mix, and the vocals fit their sound better than more thrashy vocals or black vocals would. I say that because their music seems to move slightly slower than other deathrash would. Not that is it boring by any means, but it is more on the death metal side than of course the thrash. That is why the vocals seem more fitting here. Now if they had more Beneath the Remains or Epidemic of Violence riffs (and they should ;) ) the more thrashy vocals would be more fitting. Other than them working for him his vocal patterns and placement are pretty superior to many other bands.

What really ties the knot between death and thrash in this release is the drummer. People seem to drastically underestimate how much one simple drum movement could change the entire riff. Or in sub-sub-genres like this; it could easily change the entire genre of deathrash to just death. There are parts like at 1:52 of "Ye Pigs of Little Faith" and especially at 2:26 of "I Have Seen Him Slay" where the drums really bring out the thrash in the riffs! And then the guitars will come in with a sweet tremolo riff that screams death metal and the double kick will keep it death metal.

This is a very solid release. It is easy to be skeptical of newer deathrash bands, but this is a release that will surprise everyone with its talent! This band has a bright future ahead of them and the next releases will be even better.


80%


Favorite Tracks: I Have Seen Him Slay, Ye Pigs of Little Faith, Ash World

Double Dose of Dallas Metal!

Toxifix! - Rise From The Ashes - Demo 2011

Here is some blackened thrash metal for you! These guys are up and coming very fast and put on a spectacular live performance. They really know how to mimic their recording when playing live. Every member of this outfit knows their instrument very well and is not afraid to get frisky with the technicalities. The term technical is quite often overused but these duders earned it. My favorite track would easily be "Blackened Thrashing Death", and don't worry, it is not a Witchaven rip off! It sounds a lot like Venom actually.

There are some very notable spots all over the album that highlights each instrument extremely well. The drums in The Burning of Olympus" is just out of this world, and a mad bass solo at 1:18, and closely after that the guitar solos just tear you a fucking new one! When these dudes record again, they should record it exactly the same way and just release it as an LP. Their sound is perfect on this demo.

http://www.facebook.com/Toxifixband

Favorite Tracks: The Burning of Olumpys, Blackened Thrashing Death, Nuclear Attack

...

Steel Bearing Hand - Demo 

This band is full of win. Reason being is that it has something for every body in it. There are parts that sound very crusty, and then will melt your balls with some death metal riffage, and before they are done they bust out the thrash mid tempos! The song Savor the Torture has all of those. And any band that possesses the musical fortitude to deliver such virtuosity in such dissimilar genres deserves a notion astounding credibility. They even black metal it up in Eldritch Hate... hard. Which leads one to take notice on the excellent drumming this monster demo has! And the guitar lead in this song is incredible. It is literally better than most veteran black metal leads or any genre that uses leads! The choice of notes in that almost sound like a boss ass mixture of Amon Amarth and Wolves in the Throne Room.

And after all that musical ass rape-ery the CD comes to grinding halt.

...

MOAR!!!

Also as a bonus, these dudes totally let you download it FOR FREE!!

http://www.mediafire.com/?swy99tbtf174xfn

http://www.facebook.com/steelbearinghand666

Black Anvil - Triumvirate [2010]

Black Anvil are a three-piece black metal act from the United States, and their sophomore effort, “Triumvirate,” exceeds on many levels. It resembles bands such as Watain, Arckanum, and maybe even Dissection, having an appealing sound and style that isn’t exactly unique but does indeed serve to combine many riffs and gather them together very neatly and densely. This black metal album tumbles on through different phases, the ever-present one being an undeniable melodic influence to their black metal sound.

The album starts of with “What Is Life If Not Now!”, and you’re immediately gestured into a soothing atmosphere that pummels on with shrieking yet smooth vocals and melodic riffs every now and then. The riffs found on here, as previously stated, have a very appealing tone to them. They’re catchy and somber at the same time. Most of the riffs aren’t as blazingly fast as in many black metal albums, but they’re well thought out and throw in patterns that successfully catch your attention. They mix high and low notes, strumming smoothly and releasing controlled bursts of energy. As well as melodic riffs, traditional black metal ones and sometimes even a short-lived more death metal-influenced riff will crop itself up, such as in the intro to “Dead and Left” or “With Transparent Blood.” The drumming on “Triumvirate” takes what the guitars are doing and follows along with it, being slow at times and at others plain, fast blast beats.

The somehow calm but at the same time evil vocals mesh together with the melodic riffs and combine to produce an effect that isn’t always present on black metal albums. Parts like 2:43 on “What Is Life If Not Now!” will instantly mesmerize you and put you into a trance of sorts. The bleak and relaxed riffing generates a tranquil style that will push you through the rest of the album. The speed on this record often varies greatly from relatively fast (never overbearingly so) to slower passages and the songwriting is great, pitching in different riffs here and there and transitioning smoothly into more sluggish phases. “We Own You” proves that they can gather up different notes to create dissonant riffs, especially in the intro, and soon switch into a crushingly hypnotizing riff that has a blast beat striking along in the background. The production is tidy and rounds up the riffing to create a great, almost tangible feeling. The vocals always seem to just seep through the air and blend in with the other instruments, but they definitely create a great sound that glues everything else together.

This is a solid effort that has intrigued me to hearing more from Black Anvil. The melodic and dissonant riffing definitely succeeds in showing that they’re creative and know how to condense riffs to generate a great end result. The production is very smooth, not raw as is usually the case with black metal (a con in my opinion, but it doesn't detract from the music and it does have its merits). The tight musicianship produces well thought-out riffs as well as more easy-going ones. Certainly an enduring achievement and I look forward to hearing more from these guys.

83/100

-SmithMetal84

Witchaven! Terrorstorm [2010]

Witchaven TERRORSTORM! New Album Soon!

There aren't very many bands that can go on a full US tour and blow minds like Witchaven can. Not only that but the first 2 tours the demolished was before their first album Terrorstorm was even released! There is none more deserving than the mighty Witchaven! This was released back in 2010, contains 10 tracks of no filler Blackened D-beat Thrash! And, from the very first song you will hear everyone one of those sub-genres presented in its full.

The album starts off with some monster drumming into high speed thrashing riffs. It keeps you head banging with the killer mid temp at 1:25 and transitions perfectly into some crusty goodness! And, just when you think things couldn't get any better they come at you with some insane black metal tremelo picking and guitar leads! Often times, the only thing a band needs to be considered black thrash is the vox and Venom like guitar riffs. Which isn't bad but for Witchaven then bros have just got to step it up a notch or four! They are probably known for their song that really gets the crowd going, "Black Thrash Assault". What is really the icing on the cake is that these thrasher thugs bring down the house every time they play!

If you go back and were to read anyone's tour blog from when they toured with Witchaven or just played a show with them; it never fails, there is always some mention of them stealing the show. Every member of Brohaven has such incredible stage presence. Even Lerby the drummer will stand up and headbang during the songs its nuts. What is really impressive is that you expect a band that plays a genre like this to be very mediocre but between songs the bass player is slapping it up, and their new guitarist Erik can even do slaps on the guitar! As well as rip boss solos! What really makes it is how cool they are in person. And that every song has something that really stands out about it.

From the mid tempo in Black Thrash Assault, or my personal favorite, Dawn of the Unholy; these unholy black thrashers really know how to bring the mosh pit. If you could cram everything you like about black, thrash, and d beat into an album; this is what it would sound like.

95%


Favorite Tracks: Terrorstorm, Black Thrash Assault, Dawn of the Unholy

Inquisition - Ominous Doctrines of the Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm [2010]

Inquisition is one of the bigger names in the black metal scene, revered by black metal fans the world over; and rightly so. They’ve kept going at it with intense, hectic, abrasive black metal… The way it’s supposed to be done. With this album they’ve been able to develop their sound and infuse a more doomy influence into their style.

There’s a whole range of things going on all over the place throughout the record, and the riffs vary greatly. The first song, “Astral Path to Supreme Majesties,” starts the album off with fast, heavy blast beats and the trademark Inquisition riff. Which is a great thing. What’s interesting about this one is that it has an acoustic guitar mixed in with the distorted ones, creating an atmospheric effect; followed by a guitar solo, a rare feat in black metal. After the first song is over you’ll be met by another classic Inquisition riff, subsequently followed by an uproar of chaotic ones. Shortly after, what will soon become one of the most prominent styles in this record ensues; a slow, doomy style.

“Desolate Funeral Chant” is when you’ll really get a picture of the style that Inquisition develops in this record. Slow, mesmerizing, almost spacey riffs that dominate the atmosphere and create a very peculiar but great effect. This song is probably among the highlights of the record, regardless of its slow speed and long length. Although it is such, there are numerous eerie, (pardon the redundancy) doomy riffs that’ll make you nod along to the rhythm. It sort of puts you in a hypnotized state, a trance that you can’t break free from; and you’ll be loving every second of it.

There’s, like I said, a whole range of styles that Inquisition puts into play fantastically. There’s relatively melodic ones spread sporadically, and oftentimes the guitars have whirring things going on, providing a mesh of seemingly disorganized sounds. While they may seem as such, they’re actually very… compact. Organized. They pull it off exceptionally well. Towards the end of “Crepuscular Battle Hymn,” you’ll also hear two quite thrashy riffs (especially considering they’re black metal) and on the drums, the only thrash beat you’ll hear on the entire record. The vocals are the same as on other Inquisition records: a sort of raspy style that sounds like he’s humming. They experimented a bit, albeit not that much, with them. For example, on “Desolate Funeral Chant,” when the vocalist performs chilling, subtle but effective howls. There’s also intermittent use of death metal growls.

"Ominous Doctrines of the Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm" is filled with bleak, somber, chaotic, doomy, (sometimes) thrashy, spacey--you get the point--riffs. Ones that drone on and others that gallop frantically behind the ripping drums. It’s Inquisition for Christ’s sake. If you don’t yet have it, get it now. Highly recommended black metal. A must have for any fan of the genre. Inquisition have done it yet again.
  
"...Black are the heavens of the trinity
Demons of fire I speak to thee
Forces of Satan carry me
Fire winged demon flies away free..."

88/100

-SmithMetal84

Razormaze - Miseries (EP) [2010]

I’ll start this review by saying that I’m a huge asshole when it comes to newer thrash. A whole lot of it is really hit-or-miss for me, and chances are I probably won’t like it. So when I got recommended Razormaze’s latest three-song EP, “Miseries,” I was quite skeptical at first. I was not yet aware that what would ensue would be a nice thirteen minutes of thrashy goodness. Nevertheless, I decided to take my chances and I got it; and once the first song blasted on, I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised.

I’m quite glad that “Karma In/Karma Out” is the first song on this EP. It’s most likely the standout track, and the intro was able to catch my attention almost immediately. DAT BASS. Good shit. One of the catchiest intros I’ve heard in quite a while. A few seconds later, that chilling scream came through, and I knew that I was in it for good. They were able to successfully catch my attention, and I was curious as to how the rest of the EP would turn out.

The vocals are probably my least favorite aspect of the EP, but as I listened to it some more, they were able to grow on me some. Still not quite my cup of tea, but decent enough. Either way, I don’t judge a band by their vocals, and in this case I didn’t have to. The guitars easily make up for the slightly weak vocals. There’s tons of catchy riffs thrown in here and there, and the occasional melody as well (see “Miseries of the Flesh,” at 3:25)--and the songwriting is honestly, really good. Shit, these guys know how to keep you intrigued and satisfied. Listen to “Creed of Absolution” at approximately the 1:50 mark and on until the end; you’ll know what I’m talking about.

I’m not going to drool over the drummer, as he is, to be honest, nothing special--however, he’s still quite competent. He switches up his beats often enough so as to not come off as redundant, and he plays right along with the guitars, matching their rhythms. I especially like the sporadic addition of blasts in “Karma In/Karma Out.” It only serves to augment the already inherent catchiness of the song. Production-wise, I have, as always, no complaints. The bass is clearly audible, and I'm happy.

Just get this shit. I was quite satisfied, and I’m sure anyone else that picks it up will be as well. It was quite a nice surprise.

78/100

-SmithMetal84