Ecocide (NL) - Metamorphosis CD

The highly anticipated 2nd full-length by this Polish band. Conceived in Warsaw back in 2010, Martyrdoom went through some lineup changes until they established a solid formation in 2014. In 2017 they released their debut album, "Grievous Psychosis", through Memento Mori. Blending complex, blastbeat-driven, darkened Death Metal with slow doom passages, the band drew their main influences from the likes of Obituary, Immolation, Rippikoulu, Autopsy, Demilich, Triptykon, Cannibal Corpse, Incantation, Hooded Menace, Grave, Disma and Dead Congregation, but they spewed all those influences out with renewed vigor. As far as non-musical inspirations go, their lyrics mostly revolved around old-school horror/gore movies, personal struggles and the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Bloodthirsty and dripping with menace, Martyrdoom are still armed with a thorough knowledge of ancient Death Metal and they return to create something vile and unearthly with "As Torment Prevails". Though six years might´ve passed between full-lengths, these Poles pick up exactly where they left off: eschewing all trends, trudging defiantly and blasting their noxious blend of Death Metal and doomy vibes. If anything, "As Torment Prevails" dives deeper into the ancient past, sounding like a lost relic from 1992, including the striking cover art courtesy of Ryszard Wojtyński. And while Doom no doubt forms a foundation for their sound, never do Martyrdoom sound sluggish here: their guitar sound alone is gutted, and the Doom is definitely all in the feeling, for there´s plenty of off-the-charts energy here no matter what the tempo is. Those especially enamored with the 90´s works of Asphyx and Benediction will find tons to love in "As Torment Prevails", as well as the early (and equally essential) records of Sinister and Hypocrisy. Concluding with a cover of Autopsy´s "In the Grip of Winter", Martyrdoom don´t so much as turn back the clock as crush it!ECOCIDE - Metamorphosis (CD) The long-awaited 2nd full-length by this Dutch band. Ecocide was formed in Haarlem by Sten Govers, Bas Gijzen and Rick Stikkelorum back in 2012, with Dennis Bikker joining in 2014. Their self-titled 2012 demo was basically Thrash Metal with a pinch of Death Metal thrown in for good measure, and lyrical themes based on H.P. Lovecraft, 80´s horror and sci-fi movies. Their 2013 debut album, titled "Eye of Wicked Sight", saw the band shift their initial Thrash Metal sound into old school Death Metal, taking the Floridian brand of Death, Obituary and Massacre, adding some Swedish inspiration in the vein of Entombed, Grave and Unleashed, pouring some Bolt Thrower heaviness, some Pestilence greatness, and throwing in an additional touch of Thrash Metal à la Slayer for a real homage to the golden days of yore, when Death Metal was memorable and riff-oriented to the hilt. The release of the album quickly attracted a bigger, international following, and the band started playing dozens of shows within and around The Netherlands. During these shows, they shared the stage with bands like Malevolent Creation, Sinister, Gorguts and the legendary Bolt Thrower. After two lineup changes, the band called it quits in 2015, returning briefly in 2017 to release a single titled "The Godhand", and then again in 2020 to release another single, titled "Sleeper". After releasing those two songs, the band remained dormant until 2023, when they announced their comeback and started working for the second album. Now, at long last is that comeback already ready, fittingly titled "Metamorphosis". Indeed, it´s been a full decade since their debut album, but Ecocide prove that album #2 could´ve followed swiftly after the first: the band stick to their guns and totally solidify their transformation into old school Death Metal par excellence. While thrash riffs still abound, they´re fully integrated into the whole, supporting an unbelievably era-authentic Tampa style that could´ve come out in 1991. Ecocide´s songwriting has also gotten stronger, shifting speeds with deftness and care, and placing a premium on earth-shuddering breakdowns. There´s always a linear flow to all that they do here on "Metamorphosis", even when the riffing gets busier and the rhythms kick into overdrive; for the latter, the kick drums in particular impart that timeless "tornado" effect that made many a Morrisound recording so classic. Similarly, the production across the album is clear, crunchy and classy, displaying technical finesse whilst keeping just the right amount of grit. And what to say of vocalist/guitarist Govers... Well, an exceptionally classic Death Metal throat, powerful in his enunciation and creeping you the fuck out! Completed by Costin Chioreanu´s horrifically abstract cover art, Ecocide make a grand return with "Metamorphosis". Let´s hope it´s not another decade for album #3!

Listen Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENArzo96G4c