« Crawling Through the Flames of Damnation«
2011
Formed in the Winter of 2009, HOLOCAUSTUM are described on Encyclopaedia Metallum as playing Death Metal but there’s more afoot here on their debut than this tag may suggest. “Crawling Through the Flames of Damnation” hears a fledgling band dole out Blackened Death with low, growled vocals that would send shivers down anyone’s spine! Though, with members having played in other notable outfits like MORPHEUS DESCENDS, DISINTER, TYPHUS and SPIRITUAL DECAY, fans can expect a healthy dose of competently performed extreme Metal.
Beginning rather immediately without an intro or gradual emergence, “The Putrid Race” is effective in showcasing where HOLOCAUSTUM’s allegiances lie. Tremolo riffing and steady propulsion defy labels of pure “Death” as even the title track screams older Swedish giants, NECROPHOBIC, UNANIMATED and SACRAMENTUM, the only difference is the deeply imposing growl of vocalist, Shawna Silvers. In fact much of this comparison comes courtesy of the production sound of Jeff Mhaghnuis‘s cymbals, duo guitar attack of Baughman and Newton razor sharp performance! With simple song structures and guitar patterns, HOLOCAUSTUM don’t dwell necessarily in “technical“ worlds, but do focus energies in strong rhythms and repetition. Case in point, both “Prepare For Butchery” and “Sacrificial Chamber of Blood” let go of the earlier comparisons slightly to make way for a bottom heavy assault and guitar tone that BOLT THROWER fans would consider superb! Even still, closer, “Funeral Song” features more of a Death Metal approach in its ugly execution that aptly justifies the “Death Metal” label.
HOLOCAUSTUM may have a bit of growing to do in writing songs that punch their way outside the box, but as a debut, “Crawling Through the Flames of Damnation” is a fine listen that doesn’t wear out its welcome. Short songs that get to the point will leave listeners curiously wondering where the band will venture next with new Drummer Tomasz Pilasiewicz, won’t have to wait too long as their second album titled « In The Fields They Bled » is waiting in the wings for Fall 2014 set to release on both Dark Horizon Records and Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. Cheers to anticipation…. Meanwhile grab this album or go download for free the 2 songs on their reverbnation: « Prepare for butchery » and “Sacrificial Chamber of Blood”.
Standout Tracks: “Buried Alive”, “Sacrificial Chamber of Blood”, “Funeral Song”
7.5/10
Chris
