The Pitch: Colorado born blackened death metal band Excommunion triumphantly return with Thronosis via Dark Descent Records. FFO Malthusian, Portal, Decomposed
What I Like: 4 tracks of blistering riffs and commanding death growls. From the depths of the Mariana Trench do these vocals seem to rise. And thanks to the solid, well-rounded production; their ominous power fills the entire listening space like a black and putrid ooze. The guitars favor raucious, black metal tremolos, but show plenty of love for DM in their frequent use of squeals and old school ethos. Tracks like "Nemesis" and "World Crucifier" also feature a healthy dose of extreme doom as the pace cranks back down for a swampy trudge through the muck. These moments are the perfect setup for a surprise torrent of razor blades led by the impressive drumming of Gordon Koch. In addition to the bands above I might throw out comparisons to Adversarial and Hierophant.
What I Don't Like: Not doing a whole lot here to stand out from similar bands. I'd have a harder time picking them out of a lineup. Would be a good lineup though.
The Verdict: A vicious album that, though lacking some originality, would serve as the perfect companion for a dark, candle-lit congregation hall. Get it Friday.
Flight's Fav's: Twilight of Eschaton, World Crucifier