Nekromantheon - Divinity of Death

April 25, 2011

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Nekromantheon‘s first album is filthy and angry thrash. Considering the retro-metal phase going around most subgenres, it comes as a reminder of how vicious this side of metal was – and still is.

Part of the reason is the production. Much thrash sticks with a safe sound, keeping it from pushing forth a raw, lively atmosphere as it does onstage. Divinity of Death (High Roller / Duplicate, 2010) takes the underground, lo-fi route, which puts Nekromantheon neck and neck with the old-school fare of early Slayer, Exodus, and Sepultura. Though while checking off the obvious names for credentials, what sets Nekromantheon apart is filth.

Whether by a totally drunk recording session or through bringing together backgrounds from black metal to hardcore, Divinity of Death bears a thick layer of sweat, grime, and dirt akin to the scuzziest streets at night. One might revel in this, and see it as reclaiming that reckless vigour which hard rock, let alone its extreme branches, was so renowned for in the early days. Others, due to the developments to the thrash genre, may find it off-putting and go back to the likes of Evile or Bonded by Blood, content to bask in comic book escapism or less rash commentary. This record is not for everyone – just like thrash itself at its best.

— K. Ann Sulaiman

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HEAR DIVINITY OF DEATH

– Full album stream –