Originally formed under the moniker of Purgatory Unleashed, this French/USA collaboration changed names to Blightmass in 2019 and previously released a couple of demos and a split before bombarding the world with their debut, ‘Severed From Your Soul’, under the new band name. The pedigree within the ranks here is undeniable with the members also playing in acts such as Amon, Paths Of Possession, Nakhiel and Wolfshade as this project combines the bludgeoning power of old school death metal from both sides of the Atlantic combined with black metal nuances to create a hostile, malicious and unholy barbaric album.

The intro piece sets a sinister scene for what’s to come, before ‘Skincrawl’ blasts in abruptly with caustic savagery. There are some similarities to Deicide in parts, especially vocally, where the deep resonating tones marry up with the music exceptionally well. Subtleties abound here too, delivered via the fine lead work which adds layers of dynamism to the album. ‘Object Of Affliction’ has some Immolation touches here and there, via the opacity of the sound as that blazing guitar work comes to the fore hugely. I did like ‘Krypta Spinm which builds upon a chugging grating riff before the detonation to blast beat speeds, creating monstrous impetus and momentum.

Equally monstrous is the title track, which unveils a slower styling, that had me thinking about Monstrosity, especially when the piercing guitar punctures the density of the drum and bass work. The riff change is very cool also, as the flooding double bass ramps up the power considerably. The black metal influences are very subtle on the album, produced via the occasional high-end riff or hook dotted into the songs as the blast strewn annihilation of ‘Embers In The Afterbirth’ packs an absolute wallop in true old school death metal fashion.

‘Something Unholy’ closes the albums main body of metal songs before an outro piece concludes it, as here we get abrasive and aggressive guitar work set against unmitigated velocity as Deicide rears its influence here again, leaving the album to close with ‘The Great Collapse’, a calming synth laden piece of music that acts like the aftermath to the war waged on the previous tracks.

A fine sophomore from Blightmass that continues their barraging death metal with tracks of potent ferocity.

(8.5/10 Martin Harris)

https://www.facebook.com/BlightMass

https://blightmass.bandcamp.com/album/harbinger-of-lucidity-2