The Pitch: BlackSeed Productions delivers the latest black/blackened death metal release from Spain's Marthyrium. FFO Blaze of Perdition, Outre, UADA
What I Like: While the cover art isn't exactly a Rembrandt, the spiraling vortex and rough design do a good job of summing up the music. This is only the blackest of black metal screaming from the void. The guitars are less of an instrument and more of a device to envelope the listener in a furiously blistering blizzard. Their rattling tremolos along with the echoing snarls fill the recording space like a horrifying smog. But I think my favorite part of this band may be the drums. Apart from the ferocious blastbeats, this album is filled with tremendously booming double bass and toms along with some very lively cymbal patterns. All of this produced in a way that is at once modern and full, but with enough imperfections to give it a more personal feel.
What I Don't Like: Another pretty typical set of sounds and song structures. They're good enough to go head to head with these other bands, but to stay relevant they'll need to either really push their brand or throw in a few more surprises.
The Verdict: An impressive, albeit familiar, bit of black and blackened death metal that should please those looking to be subjected to further shadow horrors.
Flight's Fav's: Thresholds of Devouring Abyss, Leviathan, Temple of Flesh