ALBUM REVIEW: Vaultwraith – Decomposing Spells

One of my favourite obscure Black / Heavy / Thrash Metal entities VAULTWRAITH is back with their 3rd album. Out now via Hells Headbangers Records (CD), Vicious Witch Records (tape) and Adirondack Black Mass (vinyl).

Sweeping in on ghostly guitars that eerily descend, the traditional Heavy Metal core to Vaultwraith’s music is instantly obvious when booming bass lines and powerful drumming kick in. Though steeped in an evil mystique, that fist-pounding quality that lies in all good Metal is definitively present. Mangled vocals join the assault with a vicious, demonic blend of snarls and growls while the percussive riffing feeds the aggressive mood. Although the rhythmic battery carries a lot of the heaviness, Vaultwraith are not afraid of melody with some cool leads and even more gloomy passages featuring in their music. Everything feels very genuine and impassioned but also unique. Sometimes it’s hard to stand out when keeping it old school, but this band has and continues to have something of their own despite this. Though innovation isn’t a necessity to make good music, it is splendid to hear this intricate balance that they have been creating for years develop further in its own direction.

Going from sepulchral splendour to outrageous headbanging grooves while retaining a strong sense of storytelling is no simple feat but within the first few tracks it is something achieved that leaves you excited for whatever will unravel next in this tale of morbidity. Perhaps some comparisons might serve as a light guide, though only Vaultwraith sound like Vaultwraith, there is resemblances at least in influence to the likes of: Mortuary Drape, Deceased, Necromantia and others of this vein. The mixing of classic Heavy Metal and more Black Metal elements works extremely well, when performed properly (and with good bass lines) which is thankfully what we get on “Decomposing Spells”. The development in dynamics is fantastic to hear with some nice Death Metal vocals creeping in while there is a thrashing racket of pure mayhem to be crushed by. This really feels like a bit of everything, but not a chaotic mess, just a slab of great Heavy Metal from all over the genres wide spectrum of sounds refined into a single cut of carnage.

Perhaps some might be frightened off by the raw production or fearsome sounds on offer, but I think all real maniacs are going to love this evil and haunting opus because it offers something for all headbangers which keep it old school and macabre. Hopefully the amazing cover-art serves as a great indicator to the feel and quality of the soundtrack within, because I’d say they perfectly represent each-other aesthetically and sonically. There is no superficial trend-chasing or vapid ripping off here, just amazing music that howls into the night with sheer majesty and quality that speaks for itself in each of the ten songs. When you weave this ten songs together, it paints a full and fantastically crafted narrative of tales that are a joy to experience. King Diamond would be proud.

Another gloriously weird listen from Vaultwraith. As a big fan of all their work, I am really glad to see them tread deeper than ever into whichever catacombs they dwell, offering an experience of immersive Heavy Metal horror. Steeped in blackness and mystery, there is no way this record will not enchant you if you are exposed to its magical charms. Another truly excellent offering from a fascinating band.