The band that time forgot is a phrase that could be levied against UK black thrashers Devasator whose band name I thought might have had an umlaut on one of the letter a’s (if you don’t know what I mean by that then what the hell are you into metal for) such is the retro sonic knifing they purvey. Indeed languishing in metaphorical nostalgia this four piece act epitomise a time where grime encrusted patches nestle alongside other fraying archaic antiquities stained with years of honour collected at numerous gigs, rather than the costume infested regalia you see at gigs these days. I could be wrong but at the core of this UK bunch is a blackened beating heart that pumps molten boiling steel through seven tracks of alcoholic infused swagger that begins with ‘Howling Night’. There are massive speed metal highlights throughout this album as the opener firmly indicates with its opening riff. Vocally the album has a gritty tone similar to early Bewitched with a sleazy slashing riff approach that hooks into the listener with gas guzzling lead breaks that hint at Venom credentials.
‘Worship The Goat’ continues with a superb riff that maintains the speed metal like bluster as the pace is notched up enabling the neck tendons to be stretched to breaking point as that pace has a snapping style with very little variation as the head banger can stand with beer in hand and position themselves to headbang like there is no tomorrow. ‘Hail Death’ is a favourite of mine on the album, it has a terrific tuneful riff before the detonation in speed that isn’t quite blasted but is close before reining it in and comes close to the realms of Nifelheim’s earlier material, having that scathing nihilistic flavour.
‘Send Them To Hell’ is 90 seconds of well sending you to hell in true Venom fashion, the songs short sharp stabbing action is punky to some extent with some touches of Swedish act Gehennah for its filth laden rock ‘n’ roll like stance and is followed by the equally short and explosive ‘Death Slut’ which flattens the listener with a remorseless salvo of filth riddled speed.
An isolated guitar riff opens up ‘Spiritual Warfare’ before the cymbal smashing section signals the speed insertion. The song has a far more thrash like style initially before swapping out into heavy metal posturing but the track is still insanely corrosive especially vocally which take on a demonic toning here. As the song hurtles along the lead break that unfolds really does unveil a purely heavy metal style that works producing some Iron Maiden like playing that suits the song brilliantly leaving only the title track to close this excellent release. Opening with a fine Motörhead like drum sequence the song dives into more speed metal mayhem that is ultra-catchy producing similarities Bewitcher. The song is like an anthem with energised lead breaks hooked into the lyrics that you can get your teeth into. There are comparisons to acts like Speedtrap, Ranger and Vulture to name just a few but if you’re into speedy black thrash then you really do need to pick this album up.
(8.5/10 Martin Harris)
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