This relatively new act from the US has kicked off their full length discography with clear intent. After a demo in 2017 they have quickly put a fine debut under their belt that encompasses the broad melodic death metal genre but tinged with tech elements that fans of fret gymnastic will appreciate alongside the exceptional drumming on the album.

‘United In Chaos’ may indicate a frenzied approach by the band but instead we get highly controlled but dextrous riffing on every song. With mixed vocals ranging from caustic harshness to bellowing deepness every song offers a raft of changes with varying highlights as the release launches with ‘The Nightmare Begins’. The punchy frenetic pacing is backed by a colossal sound that totally envelops the listener, with a production that is supremely well balanced and mixed. Erupting with explosive force ‘Cult Of The Ophidian’ is ramped up with blast prowess and those tech traits I’ve suggested.

Slamming into life ‘The Gatekeeper’ fades in smoothly before wielding a formidable slam like riff with slow pervasive double bass underpinning the melody of the song. Slightly blackened and more acerbic ‘Demon Of The Snow’ has a rasping quality bolstered by a cool modern riff break that really catches the ear. Equally excellent is ‘Predatory Reflection’ where the switch to rocketing double bass is linked cohesively to the antiphonal harsh and deep vocals which I particularly liked on this album.

I really enjoyed ‘Descend’ the massive impact is empowering and effective as the wall of sound matches the punishing grating and abrasive riff focus. Inserting a fine lead break the song capitalises on that wall of sound by ensuring that the lead takes prominence, something that appears with regularity on the album I should add. Short, vicious and to the point ‘Death Crystal’ precedes the modernised deathliness of ‘Temple Of The Bone’. The forceful rhythmic double kick deployed here is pummelling as the hyper blast bludgeoning creates one of the most brutal tunes on the album which leaves ‘The Lure Of The Necromancer’ to conclude this excellent debut. With a fade-in used for dramatic composure the roaring vocals emphasise the songs’’s vast sonic expanse, coupled to the great riff break and cascading drum work.

Summoning The Lich maybe unfamiliar to you but I strongly urge you to check out this brutalising brigade as this debut firmly demonstrates its potent pulverising prowess.

(8.5/10 Martin Harris)

https://www.facebook.com/SummoningTheLich

https://summoningthelich.bandcamp.com