Devastator have been slaving away in the UK extreme metal underground since their inception in 2017 and are finally reaping the rewards for their consistent hard work with an ever increasing fanbase and reputation. Where Devastator are perhaps at their most ‘devastating’ (sorry I couldn’t resist) is in the live setting where they are absolutely ferocious. Having said that, they still manage to play with a smile on their collective face and look as though they are genuinely enjoying things.

Their debut ‘Baptised in Blasphemy’ received critical acclaim and is still embraced by their ever growing hordes, and so it’s fair to say their sophomore ‘Conjurers of Cruelty’ is eagerly anticipated. Although not yet released, the album received its live debut in Manchester last weekend, where it was played in full to a sold out crowd who lapped it up. I was lucky enough to be there and to be pummelled by this in the flesh rather than to be hearing it for the first time at home, and it’s fair to say I was impressed!

In many ways, ‘Conjurers of Cruelty’ carries on where ‘Baptised in Blasphemy’ left off, but it takes everything to the next level and should catapult Devastator to the top echelons of blackened thrash. From start to finish it is a relentless modern thrash onslaught, but it also incorporates huge chunks of speed metal, NWOBHM and black metal. There are clear influences from the likes of Venom and even Motorhead as the album gallops past with riffs flailing around and the rhythm section beating you around the head. Having said that, there are also more refined sections and moments of glorious melody not least on the album closer ‘Rabid Morbid Death’, which clocks in at almost eight minutes, in contrast to the short rapid fire pattern of the rest of the album. The album that I was sent for review also included remixed/mastered versions of ‘Liar in Wait’ and ‘Death Forever’ from the debut which were a nice way to bring things to a close by going full circle.

As I mentioned above, this album shows that Devastator are serious contenders and need to be taken seriously. Once word spreads about this album, I fully expect the band to be hitting bigger stages than ever and catapulting to the top tier. It was nice to have seen these guys at the tiniest venues we have over the past few years, but those days are soon going to be a thing of the past.

(9/10 Andy Pountney)

https://www.facebook.com/devastatoruk

https://listenable-records.bandcamp.com/album/conjurers-of-cruelty