Canadian death metal has always been a flourishing and extremely robust sector of the world music community with the likes of Cryptopsy, Gorguts, and Kataklysm just to name a few, leaving their predominant foot print on the world since the late 80’s. On December 21st, Of Hatred Spawn unleash to the world their self-tilted release, bringing their brand of straight down the line, no holds bar, next level death metal and featuring Remy Tartaglia (Unbidden), JJ Tartaglia (Skull Fist, Operus, Final Trigger), and Oscar Rangel (ex- Annihilator).
Clocking in at just over a minute and a half is the very dark yet ambient intro, Overture. Like something out of a thriller/horror movie this piano passage has a nightmare-ish theme, setting the scene for the blasphemous destruction that awaits.
Imagine watching someone being hit by a Mack truck and then trying to resemble the gruesome carnage left behind. This is what the second track Global Dehumanization has attained, the introduction of this modern metal opus. Blast beats, razor edge, intricate riffage, underlying grooves and a sense of utter chaos, the formula combining old school elements with modern sounds, with a hint of Swedish death metal. Vocalist Matt “Coldcuts” Collacott, violently vomits through his impression of questioning our religious organizations of today.
A very high concentration of old school death metal is what Nest Of Vipers perceives. Bringing forth slightly tainted Morbid Angel influences showcasing the founders and brothers Remy and JJ Tartaglia’s tightness and musical proficiency. A slightly slower paced track destroying anything in its path.
Modern death metal at its finest is what Severed Limb Convulsion delivers with crushing rhythms and odd time signatures. Upon first listening this has a mathematical blueprint for a tech death track, with amazingly complex bass lines and bewildering fret work. Collacott’s diverse high and guttural vocal lines matching every brutal guitar chug thrown to him.
A melodic intro followed by all- out war is next track Plaga. Definitely a lot different to previous tracks, providing the listener with elements of diversity in death metal. A very finely crafted track with brutality, clever tempo changes and technical groove (is there such a term?) The Black Dahlia Murder comes to mind with this track with the more melodic approach but still retaining punch and brutality.
Pummeling forcefully into your ear holes is the violent, razor sharp riffage of Nocturnal Swarm. It doesn’t get more chaotic than this track. Once again the dynamic combination of the Tartaglia brothers take upon themselves to present to the listener that they are an unstoppable force that cannot be reckoned with.
Lethal Behemoth driven undertones wrap up this offering by Of Hatred Spawn. The alluring grim guitar chugging hits you straight in the throat with double kick and snare ferocity leaving the listener completely overwhelmed by astonishment.
Overall this album has every element of a great authentic death metal album. Although Of Hatred Spawn have not re-invented the wheel as such, any die hard death metal fan should definitely go out of their way to have a listen.
7/10
Track Listing:
Overture
Global Dehumanization
Nest Of Vipers
Severed Limb Convulsion
Plaga
Nocturnal Swarm
God Of Wrath
