For a band that has been active for over 20 years, it’s nothing short of impressive how they've managed to craft a solid album amidst all the changes they've undergone throughout their career. This release, clocking in at over 50 minutes of intense, brutal music, showcases their ability to maintain their signature sound while pushing their limits. With relentless blast beats, razor-sharp riffs, deep, rumbling bass, and demonic vocals, they prove that longevity doesn’t have to mean stagnation. In fact, I have to hand it to them for pulling off such a massive feat.
Despite the album’s length, it manages to keep things moving at a brisk pace without feeling overstuffed or bloated. There are a few moments where the energy lags, but these are brief and quickly resolved, with the band switching things up to keep listeners on edge. The drumming, in particular, is so tight and precise that at times it’s hard to distinguish whether it's human or machine behind the kit—such is the level of technicality and precision on display.
The riffs, though aggressive and punishing, are some of the nastiest and most brutal you’ll hear, constantly maintaining a sense of menace. For the most part, the riffs remain engaging, though there are a few instances where they feel a bit repetitive or conventional, almost like the band is falling into familiar patterns. While this doesn’t detract from the overall intensity, it’s noticeable in places. The bass, while solidly mixed, occasionally gets drowned out by the sheer weight of the other elements—sometimes you have to really focus to catch those deep, rumbling notes beneath the chaos.
As for the vocals, they’re nothing short of dynamic. From gut-wrenching, throat-shredding screams to high-pitched, almost rat-like squeals, the vocal variety is a highlight. They’re able to shift between these extremes effortlessly, adding a layer of unpredictability to the music. The most impressive vocal moment, however, comes in the final track of the album, where they showcase surprisingly clean vocals. This is no surprise, as the closing track tends to be where they experiment most, offering something unexpected that contrasts with the rest of the album's brutality.
In sum, this is a release that proves these veterans still have plenty to offer, managing to stay true to their roots while also embracing a sense of experimentation and variety. It’s a bold and effective album that strikes a fine balance between familiar intensity and the thrill of pushing boundaries.
RATING: 8/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
D.B.M.F.
One Of Us