After originally starting up in 2001, Gravehill decided to call it quits before even releasing an album and it wasn’t until 2007 that the US band reformed. Since then, three albums have been released and despite a lack of interest up until now, this could be likely to change thanks to ‘Death Curse’. Finding a blend of all things extreme, Gravehill’s mix of death, black and thrash metal creates a sound evil enough to appeal to the underground masses, but catchy enough to grab other fans along the way.
The production is crisp but doesn’t distract from the rough edges of the tracks and the additions of guest appearance from Autopsy’s Chris Reifert and Eric Cutler, as well as Kam Lee of Massacre avoid any worry of this album smoothing out. Due to several other artists currently working in a similar vein, the sound is unoriginal but Gravehill execute the upbeat blackened thrash and grotty death hybrid with a gnarly attitude and track ‘At Hell’s Command’ is a prime example of this. ‘Fear The Reaper’ showcases an almost crossover vibe with fuzzy punk guitars and a viciousness that would be incredible to witness live, whilst the ominous ‘Open Their Throats’ showing a whole different side completely. Taking a breather from the onslaught of madness the track is heavy as hell with doom-laden riffs and you almost feel yourself slowly dropping into oblivion before the rusty death metal kicks in again. With 2014 already filling up with gritty extreme metal, it’s going to be tough for acts like Gravehill to compete but until something better comes along, this is bound to keep any headbanger’s hell alight.
(8/10 Lily Randall)
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