Since 1998, Pennsylvanian band T.O.M.B. have been prolific in their output of Industrial noise driven Black Metal whilst bathing in the deep black seas of Death, the Occult and Necromancy. ‘Terror Winds’ is the bands seventh full length opus and has been put out on CD and LP by Dark Essence Records, a relationship that carries over from their 2020 album ‘Thin the Veil’.
In truth I don’t hear much of the band’s past Industrial noise leanings on this new album. It does come with a perpetual undertone of static fuelled energy that sounds like a constant, unsettling motion; this album though is well crafted opus of old school Black Metal, crafted and mastered on the more satisfying side of lo-fi and sporting a dissonant, feral sound. Not only that but there is a definite Death Metal feel to this album, a thick rumbling overtone that punishes and pummels throughout.
Opener ‘Terror Winds’ has a punishing bass line and drum sound, like a plank being beaten mercilessly. All the while malignant guitar tones creep forth as a dark and foreboding gloom rises. Both ‘In the Ugly Dark’ and ‘Wraiths’ have a far more catchy, early 90’s styled rhythm mixed with more harrowing punishment from both behind the kit and through the aggressive guitar leads and ravenous growling vocals, whilst tracks such as ‘Hatred to All’ are more of a ferocious, Black/Death Metal free for all of pent up aggression and stark hate.
The snappier Punk styling of ‘Frost Tyrants’ has some serious early Darkthrone worship about it whilst closing track ‘Reincarnation’ brings everything to climax with a slow, ritualistic offering. This is a more than listenable album, mired in old school flavour and with an intensive Old School Black/Death Metal vibe.
(7/10 Marksson)
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