The second album of German Blackened Death Metallers KHTHONIIK CERVIIKS is here to deliver annihilation. Set for release via Iron Bonehead Productions on July 17th.
Unsettling, glistening synths and samples give an industrial and bleak introduction to whatever macabre violations lie ahead, certainly an effective and disconcerting start to the record. Firing into a blistering cacophony of savage drums and warped riffs, the meaty and tight bass lines cut through the riveting guitar convulsions and twinkling lead work to conjure a spectral apparition of death. Masterfully roared vocals join the instrumental debauchery, offering tranquility and devastation in equal measure with no dissonant nuance held back. Amalgamating the vicious nature of Sadistik Exekution with the avant-garden disfigurations of Demilich and throwing in a touch of Svartidaudi style blackened edge, this is some crushing material.
Each track distorts into a visceral array of tormenting artistry with creative, unique and claustrophobic songwriting excellence in abundance. The meeting of cavernous rhythmic atmospherics and piercingly abrasive leads opens a vortex of otherworldly Blackened Death Metal like nothing you will have heard before. The mathematic precision of the instrumentals can be compared to the likes of Portal, however Khthoniik Cerviiks have a rather different approach, creating a warmer, if equally disturbing ambience. Throughout the forty or so minutes of the record we see some distinguished ideas that are incredibly well developed before joining the melting pot of the final pieces, each idea carefully strung together with convulsively spewed aggression.
There is a luminescent quality to this music that whilst showcasing a pulverising sense of disdain and warping the brain to other dimensions also feels enlightened and resplendent. This insane venture is one that will certainly not be forgotten as a charnel pathway to total oblivion is carefully laid out for those bold enough to meditate within the void. Khthoniik Cerviiks not only will certainly put off those who do not have the ability to comprehend their art, they reward those of us whom dare be ensnared by it with trance-inducing Extreme Metal of epic proportions. Monolithic and cavernous layered of Death Metal with the discordant abrasions of Black Metal entwine so naturally, often complimenting each other, this album really shows one of the finest examples of this that I have heard recently.
A huge opus of dread-inducing, claustrophobic dissonance, packed with groove, mighty assault of the senses and gloriously powerful performances from the whole band. Allow yourself to convulse in the splendid ghastly lights of Khthoniik Cerviiks’ new record. This is one of those albums (much like those of Teitanblood) where total attention is required to appreciate every fine detail that altogether warps into a hammer of obliteration. A feverish and nightmarish experience from start to end, offering no respite. -9/10
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