The race to become the most outlandish Metal act seems an unending task when you ponder it, but is it really? Have we reached that peak? Of course I do still hear albums that made me recoil (in a good way) but they still aren’t that shocking. I actually can’t remember the last time I was shocked by any kind of music. If you tell me there’s a band sending out body parts with their Bandcamp cassette orders then I’ll probably believe you.
Why am I talking about such madness though, well Concrete Winds that’s why. A Finnish Black/ Death Metal force with nigh on War Metal delivery this relatively new act whom arose from the now defunct Vorum have proven themselves worthy for a seat at the high table of nastiness. Primitive Force their debut from 2019 shook some Metal cages and put them firmly on the map, but can they keep it up with 2021’s Nerve Butcherer? Put out through Sepulchral Voice Records.
As the band’s name suggests this is all about abrasion. Indeed, the opening title track only serves to prove the massive weight of this band further. Nasty, relentless, Punk driven Black/ Death Metal that is equal parts sloppy and strangely refined. Progressing further into Chromnium Jaws and Demonic Truculence this point is only made stronger. This album is really built on riffs and impressive song structure. However, it is packaged in such a way that makes the music appear nasty and thoughtless, now to me that is a real fine art. It almost makes me think of the likes of Weekend Nachos or Nails in that whole extremity brought anew sort of manner. Digestible and enjoyable chunks of putrid Extreme Metal slop funnelled into my ruined ear flaps, you know there’s something wrong with you when Concrete Winds sound refined.
Speaking of this refinement Flaying Internecine and Paroxystic Flagellator add more to the vile boiling pot of catchy Extreme Metal brilliance. Thereafter though is where the release begins to run a little bit on empty. The final songs aren’t by any measure poor but it simply slips into an air of obscurity. Tracks weep, becoming forgettable mashes of brutal mayhem. That said it is still an album which is leagues above its peers. I honestly think that the new age of War or Black/ Death Metal has arrived. Move over Archgoat, Blasphemy and Bestial Warlust and ring in the new generation through the likes of Caveman Cult, Black Curse and Concrete Winds to mention but a few.
With those thoughts in mind it’s safe to say that Nerve Butcherer is one of the best War Metal records I’ve heard this year. Does it have its ups and downs? Of course, but then again what album doesn’t. If anything, this is the sort of record that really makes me re-evaluate my scoring system for releases. It has made me reach a more critical focus and any album with that kind of impact should of course be praised. If you’re looking for blinding extremity then you’ll find it here. Ravenous and relentless Black/ Death Metal from the bowels of hell, get it in your ears if you’re a purveyor of sickness.
(8/10 George Caley)
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