By:
Ernesto Aguilar
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 23/02/2018
Label: Invictus Productions
"Stylistically,
"Poisoned Atonement" is a
ferocious comeback. Many bands serving up a caustic, grimy brand of metal have
risen up in the last few years. Demonomancy can
certainly lay claim to being one of the innovators. The group provides some of the more explosive and consistent metal tracks so far this year."
"Poisoned Atonement"
CD//DD track listing
1.
Intro - Revelation 21.8
2.
Fiery Herald Unbound (The Victorious Predator)
3.
Archaic Remnants of the Numinous
4.
The Day of the Lord
5.
Poisoned Atonement (Purged in Molten Gold)
6.
The Last Hymn to Eschaton
7.
Fathomless Region of Total Eclipse
8.
Nefarious Spawn of Methodical Chaos
The Review:
Fire
up "Archaic Remnants of the
Numinous" and it becomes quite clear that primitive/black metal trio Demonomancy have been putting in work for quite awhile, more
than decade to be exact. There is simply a proficiency and brutality that you
get from band members who have been playing together awhile that new performers
just do not give you. Across its latest album, "Poisoned Atonement," the group provides some of the more
explosive and consistent metal tracks so far this year.
What
makes "Poisoned Atonement" such
a solid return is the overall songwriting as well as the density of these
compositions. Demonomancy always strikes a sinister energy
-- it did on 2013's "Throne of
Demonic Proselytism" and the band has over its career. When it
released what was effectively the preview song, "Archaic Remnants of the Numinous," last year, it seemed
like the group was going for an even more gritty, guttural approach; the sound
is harsher and more distorted, and sparks memories of original black metal fury
in many ways. "Poisoned
Atonement" continues that tone last year's single began, but only gets
dimmer and more lethal.
Demonomancy employs
slow, effective builds on a few occasions. "Fathomless
Region of Total Eclipse" is a rumbling, effects-rich cut that creates
a nightmare vibe. The trio goes right for the throat with "Nefarious Spawn of Methodical Chaos," with its
noise-laden crashing guitars and buried vocals. "The Day of the Lord" is probably the most conventional
song, with elements of hardcore complementing the black metal brew, though it
too remains elusive for casual listeners. Every track dials up the tension as
the album surges.
For fans of the band – that 10
years together has seen prodigious output, which has included two EPs and a
full length in 2013, though it has been of quality – there is a lot to like
about the new album. Stylistically, "Poisoned
Atonement" is a ferocious comeback. Many bands serving up a caustic,
grimy brand of metal have risen up in the last few years. Demonomancy
can certainly lay claim to being one of the innovators. The sound is unbowed
and nimble as ever on cuts like "Fiery
Herald Unbound (The Victorious Predator)," with an impressive vocal
delivery and buzzsaw soundtrack. If this is a version of metal you are familiar
with, it may not win you over should you be skeptical to it. For fans of acts
like Primitive Man and Mastiff,
what Demonomancy does is sure to please.
"Poisoned
Atonement" is available here:
