Classic American Death Metallers Embalmer have released quite the triumphant return to form with their magnificent latest album Emanations from the Crypt. Packed full of furious levels of speed, deep guttural vocals and a harrowing, morbid undertone throughout, it’s an album set to please all fans of brutal, old school death metal.
The album consists of 12 of the most aggressive, filthy death metal to emerge from America so far in 2016. Embalmer have succeeded in creating a powerful album, reeking of angry, underground noise. The album strikes similarities with Prostitute Disfigurement’s 2001 debut Embalmed Madness, minus the humour and replacing it with atmospheric fear instead. As well as death metal, there is a heavy grindcore presence on the album, with LA grind pioneers Terrorizer being clearly a huge influence on Emanations in terms of tempo and aggression.
As well as being full to the brim with blast beats and monstrous riffs, it also has plenty of intense, atmospheric and horrifying tracks on it to keep the listener entertained. The third and title track is a dark and thunderous number that’s so slow and heavy that it borders on doom at points. Sixth track The Casket Calls is another slower number with more satanic sounding vocals from Paul Gorefiend and a haunting, early Sabbath Iommi style riff thrown in for good measure too.
The real selling point however is its unique old school brutality. Seventh track Procession of Bones is easily the heaviest on the album and beautifully erratic. Eighth track Botched is another explosive beast with deep guttural growls really rounding it off as substantial, meat and potatoes death metal.
As well as impressive blast beats and guttural growls, Emanations has plenty of intricate solos splattered throughout for those who are fans of fretwork technicality. Opening song Dead Female Stalker and fourth song The Coroner’s Report both have fiddling, mind bending solos that add to the albums brilliance.
Emanations from the Crypt is a unique and refreshing album. The album is a brutal and morbid death metal tour de force from start to finish which has harnessed the genius of the old school and bought it firmly back in the game. Embalmer have crafted a masterpiece that any death metal fan, or extreme metal fan for that matter are bound to enjoy.
(9/10 Eilish Foxen)
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