ALBUM REVIEW: Craven Idol – Forked Tongues

UK Extreme Metal fiends CRAVEN IDOL return with their 3rd studio album, set for release via Dark Descent Records on July 23rd. A hard band to categorise with their Blackened, Thrashing, Deathly Heavy Metal, one that has always offered grandiose excellence, so without further ado we shall delve into their new opus.

Wasting no time on introducing themselves, this diabolic onslaught takes off as it means to go on, with merciless blastbeats, savage riffing, blistering solos and vicious snarling vocals taking us right into a storm of pure Metal malevolence. “Venomous Rites” could not be a more fitting description of the opening song as its caustic battery hits with the full force of Craven Idol’s might, blending Black, Thrash, Death and Heavy Metal into a sharpened spearhead of pure sonic artillery and disdain. Between the rhythmic onslaught of pulverising drums and diabolic riffs there is a relentless storm of soloing and maniacal vocals that seem to spew equal vitriol to the unsubtle instrumental fury. Devilish slower moments allow a breathing respite as the brooding tension builds before we often plummet back into the abyss to receive a rain of pure hellfire and steel from the entire band, whose focal and intimidating execution is inescapable. It is unmistakable that this record is going to be a punishing opus of pure stoic extremity, the old school way.

For those unfamiliar with Craven Idol, they are a band whose vicious ferocity does not allow a single genre to ensnare them, blending a diverse range of extremities, all from the grander bracket of Heavy Metal. This blasphemous and intense music is ritualistic but is easy to bang your head to and has an anthemic quality which is perhaps not common enough in Extreme Metal, but akin to the likes of Destroyer 666 it is easy to remember these pieces of musical warfare. Back to the record at hand, battering drums often hammer the riffs into the skull with formidable force and an incredibly tight performance from all axes and drums alike, blazing hellfire from the speakers as the vocals utilise a rapturous zeal to penetrate the daunting strings and skins. A sheer and monolithic sound is what we receive the lands like an iron fist through the body, continuing our descent into the underworld.

Black-Thrash may not be a likely candidate for longer songs, but this 41 minute opus consists of 7 tracks, the final 2 of which surpass 9 minutes. Perhaps one could be duped into thinking this expansive approach could dull the blade of ravenous aggression, but anyone with experience of Craven Idol would know this to be a foolish notion. Blistering barbarity and yet supreme command of their instruments allow this monstrous unit to convey pure Metal majesty in a way that retains all of the primal spirit of extremity but with utterly superb riffs and drum work that underline the powerful verses gloriously, giving us a triumphant return that culminates in pure ritual ecstasy after a journey of hardy and fiery Heavy Metal that is not for the tame.

A bold, striking and violent opus that is not to be missed by the legions of true Extreme Metal, a call to arms of pure rage and blasphemy. Though the bands whole discography has been very impressive and of magnificent quality, “Forked Tongues” is, to my ear, their strongest work to date with its ultimately vicious yet enchanting soundscapes of vitriolic carnage and victory.