Spanish death metal tends to be the grimier grisly variety which of course I particularly like as this very new band, established in 2018, releases their first EP setting the bar for their next release very high indeed. The serene intro simply titled ‘Intro’ actually has some purpose in luring the listener down a path of tranquillity before ‘Merciless War’ smashes in. The modernised deathly approach is peppered with a technical astuteness created by the continual tempo changes and riff inundations.
At the heart of this bands song writing is traditional death metal however as those technical snippets are highly controlled and used to add a degree of skilful adroitness. In parts this EP listens like melodic death metal too because of the tuneful nature of riffing and lead work as ‘Born Of Weakness’ continues the EP with constant velocity variations and abrasive guitar riffing. There are tendencies for the song to switch into a grittier groove style that Obituary fans would appreciate though the average speed of this release is far higher.
The chaotic ‘Human Waste’ provides a fine example of how the technical dexterity is integrated into the bludgeoning riffing and thundering rhythm section. As the song expands it reveals more fluctuating tempo shifts where the double bass avalanche fits perfectly even if I think the drum sound could have had a less clinical sound. There are occasions where the song had me thinking about Cannibal Corpse due to squeal on the riffing that periodically raises its head above the parapet.
‘External Condemnation’ has a groove infestation that again Obituary fans will hook into and even Jungle Rot though this is lighter in tone. With the speed being fully reined in here the song uses the double kick to great effect, amplifying its power to excellent effect. There is a touch of doom death to the aura of this closer and if I’m honest I would have switched the order of the songs to leave a faster tune to end the EP but that’s just a preference as I like releases to end with as much momentum and impetus as possible.
Whilst this isn’t the most punishing death metal release I’ve heard in 2020 it has enough song writing prowess to make me anticipate the bands next product with eagerness which I hope materialises soon in 2021 to capitalise on this fine debut.
(7.5/10 Martin Harris)
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