After releasing their raging debut EP ‘The Arrival Of Apokalyptic Armageddon’ in 2010, and a split with Japanese black/thrash maniacs Abigail two years later, it may be a new year but don’t expect a new Winds of Genocide. It’s been nine years since this devastatingly dirty outlet from Durham started out but their debut album ‘Usurping the Throne of Disease’ sticks firmly to its roots, which is fair enough considering the strength of the original line up.
In true crust punk fashion, Pulverised Records have managed to produce this with all the grit it deserves and enhances the enthusiasm of every member. ‘Usurping the Throne of Disease’ may be stuffed with riffs crustier than your mate’s stretched ear but the death metal elements of the album are what really give Winds of Genocide the ferocity that is as raw on record as it is at their pummelling live shows, particularly on tracks such as ‘Swathed By The Black Wings of Death’.
The album throws you in at the deep end from the off, with ‘The Howling Wolves of Armageddon’ ripping minds to shreds in a d-beat fuelled attack and there’s no slowing down with short, snappy punk influences alongside Kat Shevil’s downtuned, guttural vocals that are truly impressive from start to finish. With a knowledge of all extreme aspects, Winds of Genocide blend the aggression of death metal, the attitude of crust and the intensity of black metal to creating something many have likened to Extreme Noise Terror and despite the similarities being audible, the variety of styles keeps this upcoming band from falling into the crowd.
(8.5/10 Lily Randall)
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