Death metal, as a pretty much worldwide scene, has spawned countless memorable outings from artists that've formed all over the place. Embrional is one four-man band that is no different and certainly no stranger to the concept of possessing the brutal ability to melt the faces of an audience through heavy themes, appropriately dark melodies and crushing riffs. Formed in Gliwice, Poland in the early 2000s, Embrional is a rather unconventional type of extreme metal act that heavily discusses the notion of apocalypse and has thus far shaped their idea of death metal into three full length albums since their inception. Today, the focus is on their latest release...so read on to find out more about it and see just what it's worth.
Evil Dead is the title for the band's third full length effort that was released and made available (both digitally and physically) via their Bandcamp page. The new album spans eight songs and culminates into 38 minutes of fast-paced, controversial and destructively fluid death metal content. It is also worth noting that Evil Dead was produced and mastered by "Malta", who's worked with numerous death and black metal artists in the past, including the likes of Behemoth as well as Azarath.
The album sets off with a rather familiar, yet foreboding clean guitar tone that builds the atmosphere to the harsh vocals and rampant death metal riffs that follow. And, I will say right now that this one certainly does not dissapoint as far as the instrumentals go. There are certain sections that sound soothing and give off a false sense of security (such as in the intro track and in 'Lord of Skulls') before the song transitions into a tremolo riff or blast beats or hell, even both. For the record, I also think that, overall, the vocals on here, when mixed in with everything else in addition to the blackened death feel of this release, sound fitting...though there are some points where I also felt as though they were slightly lacking in variety. From a technical standpoint, however, everything is fine and smooth (production-wise and what have you) and Evil Dead gives off some 90s death/black metal vibes as well.
The intro track is one of my faves on here for its buildup and first impressions alike, with all its bends, powerful power chords, the breakdowns that take form halfway in and finally its outro, which sort of wraps around in a clean finish. On the flip side, 'Inhuman Lusts' takes on a more unorthodox approach and shreds between black metal ambiance and death metal riffing. This track also tops it all off with a rather refreshing guitar solo to boot. 'Abomination' is certainly another song worth mentioning for its end breakdown, alone. Otherwise, the only song that I'd say I didn't care for was 'Damned by Dogmas' (coincidentally the final track on this album), purely because it felt as though it overstays its welcome by dragging out the same ole riffs and concepts for a bit too long. It's not terrible, but I also didn't think it stacked up to the rest of the content on Evil Dead.
All in all, Evil Dead proves itself to be an above average death metal effort in nearly all fronts throughout its nearly forty minute running time. It's surprisingly solid and consistent with a ton of nostalgic melodies, spine-tingling guitar riffs, hectic energy and overall eclectic fun to keep listeners engaged and wanting to come back for more. Embrional's latest foray may not be the most original, but it still delivers on its promises and makes the most of what it sets out to be.
Fave Tracks: 'Ending Up On The Gallows', 'Lord of Skulls'
For Fans Of: Deeds of Flesh, Immolation
**This release is now available here!**
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-Review by: Dave Raffy
Musician, reviewer, fan & promoter
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