With some albums, the press release proves to be a rather unnecessary affair. In the case of Grand Supreme Blood Court’s debut, however, it is essential. Within this manifesto, is revealed the concept behind this Dutch band, and their process of judgement on the world. “The Tribunal” consists of: Grand Magistrate Bob Bagchus, Grand Judge Daniels, Grand Prosecutor van Drunen, Grand Registrar Zuur and last but by no means least, Grand Executioner van Eekelen. Of course, the more astute death metal fan will immediately recognise the various connections to Asphyx – both past and present – within the titles of these appointed death metal law enforcers. (Then again, the “more astute” death metal fans among us have more than likely been awaiting the arrival of this with rabid anticipation for some time already…)
Perhaps of most significance here is the return of former Asphyx and Soulburn guitarist, Eric Daniels to the scene. After Asphyx’s seeming swan song, 2000’s ‘On the Wings of Inferno’, the man simply went his own way in life. As the expression goes though, “you can take the man out of death metal, but you can’t take the death metal out of the man.” So come 2009, Daniels was ready to contact the current members of Asphyx – Bagchus, van Drunen and Zuur – to form a project in the vein of “old Slaughter, Funeral Bitch, early Malhavoc or Necrovore. The real obscure and ancient death metal deal.” Rounded out by Theo van Eekelen from Hail Of Bullets on bass (Zuur here plays guitar instead of bass) the prospects look very promising indeed – especially given the kind of death metal gold that the majority of these band members have been involved with over the last few years.
Aside from the judicial aspect, associations with pure class and a craving for death metal purity, what does Grand Supreme Blood Court sound like then? Well, it would be telling a porky to say that there are not similarities with the musicians’ other bands. Naturally Martin van Drunen’s agonised wails and Bob Bagchus’ punishing rhythms behind the drum kit are trademark genius. That’s for sure. Where the main difference emerges though is in the beheading and flesh-sawing (the guitar work). In contrast to the overwhelming iron-clad quality of modern Asphyx, for example, Grand Supreme Blood Court’s guitar sound is more like death by a thousand cuts; scything precisely, like a razor blade. Consequently, a foreboding quality permeates each riff and guitar part (including the harmonies). To that extent, the sound of ‘Bow Down Before the Blood Court’ certainly does go back in time. Evoking the uncomplicated, forceful feel of those old influences, this album also reminds me quite considerably of the first two Asphyx albums – particularly ‘The Rack’.
Although, I am not for one moment suggesting that Grand Supreme Blood Court merely lives in the shadow of its big, hulking brother. On its own terms, the band slays. Once the tolling bell gives way to a venomous riff at the start of the album, a journey of misery and inquisition is all that’s in store for the listener. Generally, the speed of delivery is slow to mid-paced; constantly heavy and abrasive. Quite understandably, the feel of the musicians – as experienced on their previous doom laden work – is reflected here. As an example, the contrast of fast picked riffs to Bagchus’ punishingly slow beats is terrifying enough, but when every instrument slows down, the effect is as crushing as hell. Factor in van Drunen’s roar and it’s really quite something. Bursts of speed appear now and again– not ‘Reign in Blood’ speed, obviously, but that relentless type which crushes you like a tank beneath its treads… Imagery which really embodies the entire, inexorable ordeal.
Some stand out tracks (if you can refer to them as such on an awesome body of work like this) might be the ominous ‘Fed to the Boars’, on which van Drunen seemingly plays the part of a hog, ‘Behead the Defence’ and the ten minute epic album closer, ‘…And Thus the Billions Shall Burn’. Grand Supreme Blood Court’s damning verdict on humanity speaks for itself. In all honesty, I didn’t predict that this would rival Asphyx’s excellent 2012 release but it does, and then some. As a final thought on this blood-curdling statement, I will refer again to the press release: “…you can bet your ass that the GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT does not just sentence you to death…
the GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT sentences you to death metal!” On this count, they most certainly are: GUILTY!
(9/10 Jamie Wilson)
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