This debut album by Polish act Soulcarrion seems to have appeared from nowhere, in fact information is scant except that the band is comprised of Greg and Michał plus a session vocalist Sibila who resides in Vishurddha. Added to that this album has drum programming something I have never been in favour of in death metal, but here they have replicated a fine organic sound as the album launches with ‘Pile Of Ashes’. There are no frills here, cavernous death metal preferring to bludgeoning the listener into submission with hook infested riffs and a dense asphyxiating aura. The band is old school to the core, their songs could have been recorded in the early 90s such is the style offered as ‘Realm Of Pain’ follows. It’s cool start links into a blasted assault of the double kick blast style as that claustrophobic ethos chokes the life from you.

Another cool riff adorns ‘Depth Of Fear’ and has similarities to the Floridian death metal scene of the said early 90s but also Vomitory due to the acerbic edge the guitar has as those Scandinavian hints run riot via the guttural grisly prowess on display. Aggressive and packed with power ‘Revenge Is Mine’ begins eerily as the speed injection is quickly brought to the fore alongside some squealing guitar work, something this album features a lot of, via the solos and hooks festooning the songs. Doom-death is on offer for ‘Cage Of Nothingness’, its dirge like quality is swept aside by a fine riff break and accompanying cymbal effect smashes, (though the use of a cymbal effect is very low on this album I should add) acting like the ignition for the song. The build-up is top quality, groovy riffing linked to tons of riff changes as the song is a favourite on here for me.

Continuing in the same vein the title track has a catchy aura but saturated in their brand of brutality as the song has that remorseless energy only tempered at the close by it slowing down gradually. ’Night Ceremony’ blasts in with homicidal intent as again we get some quirky guitar runs that are situated between riffs and lead work as the speed really is annihilating at times. Closing tune ‘World Of Putridity’ leaves you in no doubt as to the intent of Soulcarrion, its brutality and unmitigated power crushes the listener as one thing is certain Soulcarrion’s debut album is easily a match for anybody in the old school death metal sphere. Excellent stuff indeed!

(8.5/10 Martin Harris)

https://godzovwarproductions.bandcamp.com/album/infernal-agony