The Pitch: Unholy Anarchy Records release the highly anticipated debut full length from blackened melodic death metal band Begat The Nephilim. "The album tells the tale of the Mother of Blasphemy, an ancient godlike Nephilim, her rise to power and the resulting consequences facing mankind and the world." FFO: The Black Dahlia Murder, The Hudson Horror, Alterbeast
What I Like: Begat The Nephilim sounds like the bastard child of The Black Dahlia Murder and Irreversible Mechanism. The guitar hooks and vocals are straight out of the former, but with the more technical edge and synth elements of the latter. Tyler really does sound quite a bit like Trevor, what with his charismatic, schizoid alternations between wretched shrieks and brutal growls. There's even some gutteral stuff for good measure. Comparisons aside, his performance is very strong and is certainly a focal point of the band's energy and accessibility.
Much of the album relies on similar campy, blackened melodies as classics like Ritual and Miasma, but there are also some breakout moments of tech death that add a signature touch to the proceedings. Speaking of which, the other standout element of this album is the Carach Angren/Fleshgod Apocalypse-sounding synth work. The piano, strings, and harpsichord really do elevate things the next level in terms of both composition and atmosphere. It's death metal played for vampires in a gothic castle. And while I tend to be critical of bands in this genre making attempts at longer, more progressive tracks, "Mobin"really knocks it out of the park. Thanks to tight songwriting and even tighter performances, this 7 and a half minute ripper quickly my favorites on the album.
Critiques: Is it just me, or does this album start twice? It's like they couldn't decide which of the first two tracks to use as an intro so they just put them back to back. More generally, I don't find it to be the most memorable of records. Don't get me wrong, I REALLY enjoy listening to it, but I haven't quite fallen in love with it in the same way as, say, Nightbringers.
The Verdict: The Surreptitious Prophecy / Mother of the Blasphemy is a kickass album just right for a midnight concert in Transylvania. Nosferatu himself would sign off on this blackened death metal opus. Begat The Nephilim still have room for improvement when it comes to standing out from the crowd, but this is still a really top notch effort. Stream it in full HERE.
Flight's Fav's: Anasazi, Fervor For Flesh, Mobin
-Review by FlightOfIcarus
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