Disma - Towards the Megalith (2011)

Full Length, Profound Lore Records
2011


It is pretty apparent that the old school death metal revival is on a boom these days.  The activities of certain bands producing cryptic death metal in the vein of the ancient deathlords were on a high ever since the last five years or so but now it seems to be spreading like an epidemic. Now that doesn't mean that every band falling under this so called ''neo old school'' or ''retro'' death metal cult has to be praiseworthy. A lot of them do not go well in my books for being pale apparitions of the original harnessers of this grotesque aural art.

Albeit when you talk about a congregation of veterans from acts like Incantation, Funebrarum, Abazagorath etc., you get a strong idea that there is something serious going on. This unholy congregation (anti)christened as Disma, grabbed my attention two years back when I was enlightened about their debut demo ''The Vault of Membros''. I grew ecstatic because they were spearheaded by one of my favorite vocalists - the colossal Craig Pillard! Does that name ring a bell? Of course it does,  if you worship Incantation's monolithic albums ''Onward to Golgotha'' and ''Mortal Throne of Nazarene''! Disma was the brainchild of Daryl Kahan (Funebrarum) and Bill Venner (Ex-Incantation) whose love for the old Finnish death metal sound compelled him to embark yet another profane journey on the paths of doom. Not only the sound but even the band name reeks of Finnish death metal! Dismal+Xysma = Disma. Mathematics could be fun sometimes, isn't it?

Their debut full length ''Towards the Megalith'' uncorks a massively heavy and deranged slab of cavernous and putrid old school death/doom, coming right from the chasms of hell! remember how much I loved the raw and sludgy sound of the demo but this little monster here has surpassed every fucking thing! The guitars are low tuned beyond belief, almost to G if I remember and boy, they emanate such a thick wall of pumelling sounds!

This album is certainly not a wank fest for the trigger friendly ears but a punishing lesson of true, barbaric death metal. The kind of sound which the album has captured is very much reminiscent of the Finnish gems like Rippikoulu, Disgrace, Xysma, Convulse etc. but much heavier and sewer drenched at times. Craig's vocal delivery is absolutely inhumane and exceedingly brutal as expected. You can imagine how an ancient demon would roar on the lesser mortals once he is awakened after years of slumber. Randi's bass lines are equally low tuned and brutal like the dual guitar onslaughts of Daryl and Bill and they have been instrumental in weaving a maze of ominous sounds.

As far the drumming is concerned, it is very well delivered by Shawn who has already proven his mettle with Funebrarum and does nothing less on this record also. Since most of the album is mid paced, there aren't 10,000 blast beats to be found here although there are a few faster double bass/blast sections to be found. The drum sound is very much in accordance to the guitar and bass mix and gives an equally heavy and crunchy feeling to one's ears. I love how he has also employed some sweet crusty, d-beats which sound so headbangable, while flowing with the brutal guitars and vocal passages. Impressive performances!

Towards the Megalith certainly doesn't bring anything new to the platter but this was never their intention either. I am never going to be worried about any sort of progressions or creative inventions as far as this style of putrid old school death metal is concerned because it is meant to be enjoyed as a subtle and primitive style. Disma have provided a good example of creating an enjoyable and worthy death/doom record which doesn't go bland and monotonous as some of the bands in this genre could get after a few plays. Tracks like ''Chasm of Oceanus'', ''Vault of Membros'' and ''Spectral Domination'' provide a good reference of what I am talking about. And oh, the spectacular cover art also acts a great element in defining the purpose and feel of the album while not simply being yet another Moyen rip-off b/w painting.

Grab this album if you are a fellow old school death/doom afficianado and also have an admiration for the other parties these gentlemen are engaged with. Now I would like to quote these fantastic lyrics of the title track ''Towards the Megalith'' to conclude this review because they highlight the essence of this album in a few sentences.

''Towards the Megalith...
Among the last vestiges of humanity
to survive in broken ruins
Paths of smoldering, twisted steel
The refuge has become a tomb
A colony without hope
Torn from the womb of life
To exist in desolation
Congregation of the damned
Of the damned...''


Rating: 8.5/10
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Disma/137903672940606

Necros Christos - Doom of the Occult

Full Length, Sepulchral Voice Records
2011
Necros Christos is a name which is well revered amongst the appreciators of occult death metal art and they have struck again with their sophomore album entitled as “Doom of the Occult” after a long anticipation. Their debut venture “Triune Impurity Rites” had left plenty of fans including myself stunned with its densely atmospheric and ancient atmosphere. Such was the charm of the album, that I almost felt enraptured amidst a black mass procession, which had evilness emanating from all over.

This malignant ensemble originates from Germany and conjures an ominous amalgamation of ancient occultism and underground death/doom metal through their malignant epiphanies. The driving force behind this sinister temple is Mors Dalos Ra, whose enchanted preachings have left a staunch impression on myself. He is a learned man for sure, who has employed the theories of the Old Testament, ancient Egyptian miracles, Middle Eastern deities and an inspiration from the emanations of the Holy Qabalah, ancient mysteries of temples and tombs and much more.

As intriguing as it sounds, this wicked soul has left no stone unturned in structuring his musical elements at par with the intricate lyrical themes he has employed. “Doom of the Occult” is an implausible example of the above mentioned features possessed by Necros Christos and it’s a tad better offering than their elite debut. What makes it so special is the way the rituals have been structured this time. The musical theme has been emphasized on Mors’ ancient Middle Eastern/Asian influences and they have been very suavely executed.

There are a total of 23 ritual hymns which constitute this juggernaut and they are divided as 14 instrumental interludes and nine death metal rituals. These are artistically crafted as preludes for all the nine necromantic psalms. Overall, the interludes are also divided as eight temples which are cathedral-ish instrumentals which introduce the “gates” . The “gates” here are acoustic Middle Eastern folk instrumentals which are beautifully carved by Mors again. Together, they add a highly exotic and arcane element to the album and serve as splendid introductions to the tracks.

Necros Christos’ most noticeable quality is the uniqueness of their sound and it has been suavely exemplified on “Doom of the Occult”. The compositional prowess on the album is highly commendable and thoroughly enjoyable. There aren’t any crazy sweeps or twisted leads to be found here. Its all about pure occult art. What impresses me the most is flow of the riffs which are catchy, down tuned and aurally devastative. The leads and especially the arcane solos are also very well carved and they keep the ears buzzing and gasping for more. Impressively, each song possesses memorable passages which get stuck in the head very easily. The main focus here is to provide ample eargasms to the listener with a mind numbing juxtaposition of cryptic middle eastern harmonies with death metal. But it’s certainly not cheesy or very accessible for any casual listener. Its very powerful, yet subtle at times. Mors and the Evil N. have done a fabulous job on the strings here and their coalition is what makes this album so bestial and profound!

I know that I just can’t stop praising Mors’ efficiency as a musician and hence I would applaud him once again for spewing some of the most baleful vocals I have ever heard! He had left a staunch impact with his demonic vocals on “Triune Impurity Rites” and he did it yet again on “Doom of the Occult”. His vocals give an astute feeling of an ancient Mesopotamian demon, who gives out a loud roar to pronounce the end of divinity from the planet Earth. His earth-shattering and rattling guttural onslaught is more than just an added flavor of this brilliant album.

Raelin’s percussive assault also deserves a praise since he has delivered a worthy performance with his drum kit. Since it’s a mid paced, doomier death metal album, he didn’t have to execute any triggered double bass attack or 300+ bpm blast beats but boy, he still didn’t leave any stone unturned in striking gold! The snare tone on the album is crunchy and sounds apt in the mix because it suitably justifies the hammering guitar tone. My favorite would be the introduction of “Doom of Kali Ma” where he starts off the proceedings with a gnarly blast beat passage and ceases down to menacing double bass sections throughout the track.

The bass is definitely present on the album and it flows around smoothly with the guitar’s but there are no individual bass moments except for “Hathor of Dendera” and “Invoked from Carrion Slumber”. Nevertheless, I don’t think that bass solo’s were very much required on the album. Black Sheperd Ov Doom has done his job neatly and provided the perfect tone which was required to enhance the heaviness of “Doom of the Occult”.

Even though each death metal ritual on “DOTO” is so deftly etched, there are some special moments which are certainly the highlights of the album. The stand out track according to me is “Doom of Kali Ma – Pyramid of Shakti Love – Flame of Master Shiva” which is a diligent hymn to the magnificence of the mythical Hindu occult deities – Kali and Shiva. The exceptional element of this track is that a lot of the lyrical content constitutes of Hindi texts which have been growled to such perfection that I was bound with amazement. Being a Hindu myself, it was an astonishing quality and I was dazed with ecstasy after hearing this hymn along with its brilliant and perfect lyrics. I can easily say that this soundtrack could become an anthem for the purveyors of occult death metal. “Necromantique Nun”, “Succumbed to Sarkum Phagum”, “Invoked from Carrion Slumber” and “Descending into the Kinly Tomba” are my other picks from the album. The solo on “Descending…” might be yet another spectacular element on the album. Though there are a few good ones to be heard, the one on that song is particularly very well carved out. Great efforts by the guitar duo!

Overall, “Doom of the Occult” constitutes everything which a mystifyingly evil death metal album should possess. The song writing is deviously enthralling even though it’s mostly one dimensional. Almost all the tracks flow in a basic pattern which comprises of heavy palm muted riffs, mid paced to doomier sections, fitting double bass, cryptic leads and brilliant solos. But it still doesn’t add a monotone since all the tracks carry individuality. The album is absolutely devoid of any frills and wannabe complexities. It is death metal done in the right manner! Every moment on the album reeks of class and exoticism.

I can keep the band at par with Grave Miasma who also share a similar musical direction minus the middle eastern influences. Their mid-paced, doom-oriented death metal music and lyrical themes also reeks highly of occult themes and exotic atmospheres. They are both class acts and share individualistic and dedicated mindsets which are two precursors for any band to carve a niche in a vastly populated “scene”.

In today’s time’s where abominations such as plagiarism and staleness are ruining the beauty of the art of death metal, it’s great to have honest and inspiring acts like Necros Christos around which possesses an impeccable demeanor . “Doom of the Occult” clearly exhibits that they are a sheer apotheosis of scrupulousness and musical dexterity. So, show your utmost support to these Germans and enter the gates of their diabolic temple right now!

A necromantic doom awaits you, as you ascend the abyssal stairs of this temple…
9.5/10
Official Site - http://www.darknessdamnationdeath.com/

Cemetery Urn - The Conquered are Burned

Full Length, Self Released

May 10th, 2010

Australia

Cemetery Urn, a quite recent addition to the cavernous dungeon of Aussie infernal glory are back with a tormenting compilation of bestial hymns for the appraisers of ancient Death Metal, (anti)christened as ''The Conquered are Burned''. Though this evil congregation was formed in 2007, their bandwagon isn't new to the Aussie extreme metal movement comprising with members from Corpse Molestation, Kutabre, Bestial Warlust, Abominator etc. These hordes have already created ghoulish impressions on the Australian as well as worldwide extreme metal front with their merciless hammering on the essence of weakened mortals and their appalling faiths. So by reading these above lines, people who are new to Cemetery Urn's brand of abominable deathvastions can get a bleak idea as to how they should build up their expectations from them.

Recorded at Three Phase Studio, Melbourne, between April - November 2009, the album comprises of 8 horrific symphonies reeking highly with the destructive sound reminiscent of a mixture of the old American and Swedish Death Metal of the early 90's. Death's Turbulent Fire starts off the proceedings of this brutal bludegoning and does it with elan. The opening riffs highly reminds you of Swedish undeground legends Necrony and the guitar tone is a tad similar to that exhibited on Pathological Performances. Now as your mouth starts watering already, you are exposed to the guttural rasps of Damon who enunciates the inception of raging war on the heavenly blaze and militaristic hammering on the drums enrapture you further.
Even before you could get some reprieve from the carnage forged on you by the first track, The Plague of Annihilation emerges out and destroys your cranial juices even more. With a frenzy of downtuned sludgy riffs, a catchy yet crushing chorus and mayhemic drums, you get the vibe of good old Incantation's first and sophomore albums specially towards the ending of the track where a subtle doomy passage rings a bell of some similar parts in Mortal Throne of Nazarene. More Incantation worship follows in the songs ahead - specially Wrath from The Grave, whose intro passages and riffs reminds of Decimate Christendom, a la Dying Divinity. The track begins with a catchy riff and then abruptly, you get a thud on your face by a frenzy of instrumental ecstasy which consists of quite a few tempo changes, from groovy double bass sections to grinding dissonance.
Possessed Terror and ...Of Spectral Dominance continue in a similar fashion and enamor one's auditory senses with more muddy riffs and hooking solos.

A Cemeterial Reaping kick-starts with a captivating melodic lead and converges onto a belligerent solo after which paves way for blastorocious maraudings, taking the track onto a newer level of lunacy. However, the track mostly comprises of fast paced sections, there are subtle mid paced grooves and hooking riffs which make it sound thoroughly enjoyable.After 33 minutes of indimidating sonic torturing on the conquered souls, its time to finally burn their naive embodiment and this gruelling work is perfectly ritualized by the concluding title track The Conquered are Burned. Its furious warlike hymn starts off with a mighty blaze in form of its compelling opening riff which clearly indicates the captured ones that their end is near.

The deterioration begins where Damon yells:
The Conquered are Burned -
smell the boiling blood
The Conquered are Burned -
see their feeble demise
These terminating enunciations continue until Andrew shoots out a final incantation out of his axe and the initial chaos returns back to finish off the proceedings.
Stench of the burning dead emanates from the speakers as Damon rejoices and yells out - They Fucking Burn!!  like an ancient demon lusting for blood.

Overall, Cemetery Urn have certainly made a notch with their second album which is a tad more focussed and well composed as compared to its pre-decessor. The production has also been improved on this one where it still maintains the sewer-flavour of the ultra low guitar despondencies but hasn't gone indistinguishable with the vocals and drums. This was a slight dilemma which had marred Urn of Blood where many parts became quite dissonant, making it little difficult to comprehend the instrumental intrications. Talking about the artwork, a simplistic yet impressive inlay and cover art by Daryl (Funebrarum, Disma etc) provides the perfect idea of the hauntings being unleashed by the album.
This album is going to make a mark on the Aussie underground and would place the band on the ranks of other recent bestial Death Metal hordes like Ignivomous and European acts like Cruciamentum and Dead Congregation. Even though the album is a fanatic worship of the gods of blasphemy - Incantation, it doesn't sound like a cheap and effortless rip-off which some bands come up with. Its indeed a dutiful ritualistic worship which is more often needed from upcoming bands to keep the reverence of the mighty archangels of death and destruction alive.

Buy it and support their diligent death-prayers now!

http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/cemeteryurn/

Official Webhell - http://cemeteryurn.com/
Myspace -  http://www.myspace.com/cemeteryurn

Final Rating - 7.8/10

Disma - The Vault Of Membros (2009)

Hello folks, how are all you guys doing? First of all, I beg extreme apologies for not keeping Infernal Dominion active since quite a long while now. Curse my stupid college and a pile of incomplete assignments for that.  But now I am finally back on track and all geared to write a review of an absolutely fantastic band which is one of my recent discoveries. The band is called Disma and they are from New Jersey, United States of America. What's the speciality of this band? Scroll down and read.


All the fellow death metal maniacs who have been urging to hear more and more relentless assaults of primitive death metal can be prepared to hear one of the best new congregations in the old school death metal scene. Funebrarum meets Incantation and the result is pure blasphemy!
Disma was founded by Funebrarum's frontman Daryl Kahan and former Incantation guitarist Bill Venner during January 2007 with the intention of creating heavy and morbid death metal. Shawn Eldridge (Funebrarum) joined on drums along with Randy Strokes (Methadrone) on bass. The line-up was complete after the legendary Craig Pillard joined the ranks on vocals.

They recently released a demo entitled as ''The Vault of Membros'' containing three tracks which sound as if they were recorded in Satan's own studio. Their name was derived by the Finnish band Xysma and a lot of their influences include great Finnish bands for example Rippikoulu, Adramelech and Convulse. Disma's brand of death metal is uncompromising and a great amalgam of Finnish and American old school death metal.

Its the perfect treat for the fans of Onward to Golgotha era Incantation. Pillard has relived those memories by an absolutely fiendish vocal performance very much reminiscent of his days with Incantation. A cacophonous twin guitar assualt by Daryl and Bill has been able to grant a raw and dissonant sound to the demo. It feels as if this is one of those obscure gems which spawned out in the early 90's tape trading era. Shawn has been brilliant on drums as excepted after his splendid performance on the latest Funebrarum album. He hasn't blasted as furisously as he did on The Sleep of Morbid Dreams but has delivered a great percussive attack which was appropriate for Disma's pumelling music. Randi's muddy, down tuned bass tone added more fervor to this juggernaut.

It's not very often that a band leaves a staunch impression on oneself just after one listen but Disma have been instrumental in doing that for me. It didn't take much time for me to immerse in the harsh death/doom hymns being blared out of my speakers and it left me hungry for more. Fortunately, they are soon coming with more hellish tunes and I can't wait to hear them. This is going to become a favourite among the appreciators of primitive and ballsy death metal in no time from now. Disma are yet another outfit among the flagbearers of the new wave of old school death metal which have resurrected the glory of those great old days.

If you found this review intriguing, then waste no time in checking out these great guys on Myspace. The demo is available for sale straight away from Daryl Kahan. Check out their Myspace link below for more details
Cheers!

http://www.myspace.com/dismadeathmetal