In recent years the surge of ‘true’ Metal has been quite frankly unbelievable. Despite of course a mass of pedestrian Metalcore lingering about I would honestly say that I feel Metal is generally returning to form. Of course there will always be a commercial aspect to the genre but on the whole it really feels like the majority of festival line ups with a hint of Metal are swaying more towards classic or even modern Extreme Metal bands and less pandering to the likes of Avenged Sevenfold or some other such tripe, rejoice for the coming of the new age of Metal!
One such band doing their bit for the cause are Evil Damn. Not only do these Peruvian heavyweights have a fantastic name they also have a lust for Lovecraftian occultism, done in such a way that there is surely enjoyment for any Extreme Metal fanatic. Unbelievably Necronomicon marks the band’s debut full length release, despite them having formed back in 2003. Will this landmark release through Hells Headbangers prove to the world that Evil Damn are starting to make their mark?
The chants at the start of The Curse set the stage for the Lovecraftian cult mentality which is further backed by some pounding riffs. The guitars have a relatively clean flavour to them which gives a very traditional and true Metal feel. The vocals are utterly savage and whilst not too ground-breaking they are at least unique in tone. Imagine a combination of OSDM and Kreator or Possessed and you won’t be far off. Beast Of Rlyeh amps up the guitars again with some truly impressive solos. In fact it is here where I begin to ponder the genre of Evil Damn. Quite honestly I think it can only be defined as Extreme Metal, there’s an awful lot going on but strangely nothing feels like new ground, it’s intriguing and that’s more than you can say for a lot of other albums dropping in the Metal underground. Keeping up the full impact energy is Graveless Cadaver, a track whereby the drums shine forth with more gusto, rapid fire and destructive, an all-round Extreme Metal delight.
Much like a delight or delicacy though Necronomicon is a release to be savoured. To go head first into an album such as this could lead to thoughts of it being dull and lacking in influence. A grower not a shower as the phrase goes. I’m in no way saying it isn’t enjoyable I’m simply stating that the hooks are in the structures rather than easily pinpointed lyrical melodies and thus multiple listens are a must to fully appreciate such an album. On the topic of lyrics or more to the point vocals though I enjoy the occasional Tom Araya nod here and there with a piercing Angel Of Death shriek, much like in Darkness Will Remain. Most of the second half of the release passes by without little more being added to the Cthulhu melting pot. Simply strong well written Metal from the start to finish. Indeed, the finish is perhaps of the most interest here. The epic twelve minute title track is everything I want. Well okay, it’s more so made powerful by its sheer stature than musical integrity but none the less I’m a sucker for excess in Metal and this title track is definitely that, a masterclass in Evil Damn’s sound. There is a final and additional track in the cover of Sarcofago’s Christ Death. I’m not one for covers (unless I’m really drunk at a local show or something) so I can safely say I don’t need to hear it again. However, it isn’t at all bad and it’s at least cool to see that the band have good taste.
Sure, the album has its highs and its lows, well more highs than lows, I’ll explain. So it isn’t an album I’m going to be reaching for time and time again, however the times that I do choose to go in for a spin will surely prove to unearth further grim notions of pure Metal mayhem. If you’re going all in and something clicks with you straight away then I have no doubt that Evil Damn are going to be your new favourite band. I truly wish them all the best and I really hope this isn’t the last we see of them.
(8/10 George Caley)
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