« Eyes of Madness »
Unsigned/Independent
2013
With KRISIUN, THE CHASM and REBAELLIUN all pushing the boundaries of musical extremity in Brazil, KHROPHUS, from Santa Catarina are a technical death metal act hoping to knock down the door to the world stage. Beginning their career back in 1993 with their self-titled demo, the trio have been steady releasing three full lengths, culminating in last year’s, Eyes of Madness, a record that sees the group hungrier than ever! KHROPHUS storm ahead with a no-holds barred attack beginning with, « Smoke Screen« , a song dedicated to all things brutal and destructive. The number perfectly sums up what the rest of the album sounds like with « By the Sun« , « Forbidden Melodies » and « Master of Shadows » all focused on maximum blast and tremolo guitar picking that imbue heaviness and punishment! The production is solid enough to clearly hear the distinctiveness of each instrument, especially Alex Pazetto’s bass, which in many cases is a clear spotlight, particularly on songs, « Dead Face » and « The Book of the Dead« . Performing vocal duties as well, Pazetto deep growls his way through the record while varying the intonation with higher pitched screams to add « flavor » to the proceedings.
Though the album is steeped in an aural blitzkrieg, it doesn’t waste any time on unnecessary « filler », a testament to a philosophy of « get in and get out ». Not surpassing the 35 minute mark, Eyes of Madness does tend to sound slightly predictable after a few songs, so perhaps the fact that it isn’t too long is a good thing? Add to that, « Interposition » sounds very similar to CANNIBAL COPRSE’s, « Staring Through the Eyes of the Dead » both in guitar tone and riff ideas, while the final melody on « Harvest » recalls, MORBID ANGEL’s, « Blessed are the Sick ». Perhaps these are hidden odes to bands revered by the Brazilians?
Whatever the case may be, KHROPHUS do a fine job of imparting their biting brand of tech-death onto the borders of Brazil and beyond! With a pristine production, accentuating vicious grit, Eyes of Madness will surely leave fans satisfied by their conviction and musicality. Leaning towards a somewhat repetitive momentum, however, here’s hoping that on future releases, the band find a way to include ideas « outside the box ».
Standout Tracks: Dead Face, By the Sun, The book of the Dead
7/10
Chris
