Demonic Slaughter - 'Downfall' (2013)

Demonic Slaughter

'Downfall'

Pagan Recs.

2013

Demonic Slaughter is a polish black metal horde from Lublin, Poland. The band was founded in 2006, it has 4 full-lenghs albums on account together with few shorter materials. 'Downfall' is their last release.
The last LP 'Revelations of Death' had some death metal relish (swedish, to be more precise), this time the guys decided to create pure black metal hell. Well, I must say that even it's not very revealing, the music it's very nice (let say, haha). Harsh vocals, fast, depressive yet often catchy riffs (especially great 'Cold and Haunted') and a drummer devastating his implement creates kinda dark atmosphere. Black metal maniacs should feel good with this kind of tunes. The production is very stifling, so that you have to focus on what's you're currently listenning to. For some folks it might be a flaw, but I think that in this case it's a big advantage - forget about listenning to this stuff in a bus or during washing the dishes and absorb the cult (haha)! Too feel the real obscurity of 'Downfall' you have to spare some time to this music.
There are not many slow parts this time. I noticed though that in some moments ('Dark Matter Constelation', or especially 'Martwa Cisza') the music is more similar to the kindred band of one of musicians - Xaosis. So the music slows down a bit, and goes into more rock/melanacholic areas. It is a nice sign of variety, and more of such elements on the future releases will be welcome by me with open arms. Also this release is full of some background noises and wild screams. Nothing new indeed, but defenitely adds some more evil element to this grim atmosphere.
The material at first seems to be very monotonous and boring, but after some replays it defenitely shows a listenner it's 'better' side. This seeming monotony together with stifling production creates very nasty climate and indeed good music. Everyone who loves cold and haunted (hehe) sound should defenitely give a try to 'Downfall'.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. Ordeal

2. Labyrinth of Lost

3. Dark Matter Constelation

4. Lightbringer - The Architect

5. Martwa Cisza

6. Darkness

7. Planet of Doom 

8. Cold and Haunted

Total time: 37:50

Xaosis - "Mara II - Umarłe Domy" (2013)

Xaosis

"Mara II - Umarłe Domy"

Eastside

2013

This is a solo project of the polish musician, hidden under a stage-name of Xaos Oblivion. Some of you can know him from such acts like Demonic Slaughter or Abusiveness. This time he serves us 45 minutus of depressive rock with black metal influences.

Although this black metal can be heared rarely. Here and there appears typicaly black riff, and more or less that's everything. Maybe this black influences are bigger on the previous album, which I haven't listen to. But back to "Umarłe Domy", every track bases here on monotonous work of guitars and marching drums. Sometimes they are supported with electronic percussion (like e.g. in last track "Dytyramb Szatański"). This is a quite simple kind of playing, yet it can really draw you for another replay. There is also clearly heard some Xaos' influences, like new wave or a bit Katatonia-like riff (in "Zejście", as I remember). 

Over this instrumental stuff we can hear a harsh vocal. It's not a classical thing, as it sounds like a monolog of drunk desperated men. The atmosphere of negativity is enhanced even more thanks to polish lyrics, which really sounds like a babbling of suicidal drunkard. Of course rest of the world won't be impressed by them, but don't worry - even that the music will immediately change your good mood.

And few words about the production - it's a bit muck, guitars sough slightly and in general Xaos created a very good sound (though "good" is not propably the best word that can be used in this review). Of course if you are a fan of In Flames-like production you will be upset, but who gives a fuck about you. 

If you are thinking about commiting suicide, but you're affraid that you'll eventually panic and won't do it - this album will help you to make a proper decision. 

Rate: 8/10

Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. Przejście

2. Moli ścierwo i prusaki

3. Zejście

4. Czarny dom bez okien

5. Zaropiałe bagno

6. Non divina aurora

7. Dytyramb Szatański