ALBUM REVIEW: Demonomancy, "Poisoned Atonement"

 By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 23/02/2018

Label: Invictus Productions

"Stylistically, "Poisoned Atonement" is a ferocious comeback. Many bands serving up a caustic, grimy brand of metal have risen up in the last few years. Demonomancy can certainly lay claim to being one of the innovators. The group provides some of the more explosive and consistent metal tracks so far this year."

"Poisoned Atonement"CD//DD track listing

1. Intro - Revelation 21.8

2. Fiery Herald Unbound (The Victorious Predator)

3. Archaic Remnants of the Numinous

4. The Day of the Lord

5. Poisoned Atonement (Purged in Molten Gold)

6. The Last Hymn to Eschaton

7. Fathomless Region of Total Eclipse

8. Nefarious Spawn of Methodical Chaos

The Review:

Fire up "Archaic Remnants of the Numinous" and it becomes quite clear that primitive/black metal trio Demonomancy have been putting in work for quite awhile, more than decade to be exact. There is simply a proficiency and brutality that you get from band members who have been playing together awhile that new performers just do not give you. Across its latest album, "Poisoned Atonement," the group provides some of the more explosive and consistent metal tracks so far this year.

What makes "Poisoned Atonement" such a solid return is the overall songwriting as well as the density of these compositions. Demonomancy always strikes a sinister energy -- it did on 2013's "Throne of Demonic Proselytism" and the band has over its career. When it released what was effectively the preview song, "Archaic Remnants of the Numinous," last year, it seemed like the group was going for an even more gritty, guttural approach; the sound is harsher and more distorted, and sparks memories of original black metal fury in many ways. "Poisoned Atonement" continues that tone last year's single began, but only gets dimmer and more lethal.

Demonomancy employs slow, effective builds on a few occasions. "Fathomless Region of Total Eclipse" is a rumbling, effects-rich cut that creates a nightmare vibe. The trio goes right for the throat with "Nefarious Spawn of Methodical Chaos," with its noise-laden crashing guitars and buried vocals. "The Day of the Lord" is probably the most conventional song, with elements of hardcore complementing the black metal brew, though it too remains elusive for casual listeners. Every track dials up the tension as the album surges.

For fans of the band – that 10 years together has seen prodigious output, which has included two EPs and a full length in 2013, though it has been of quality – there is a lot to like about the new album. Stylistically, "Poisoned Atonement" is a ferocious comeback. Many bands serving up a caustic, grimy brand of metal have risen up in the last few years. Demonomancycan certainly lay claim to being one of the innovators. The sound is unbowed and nimble as ever on cuts like "Fiery Herald Unbound (The Victorious Predator)," with an impressive vocal delivery and buzzsaw soundtrack. If this is a version of metal you are familiar with, it may not win you over should you be skeptical to it. For fans of acts like Primitive Man and Mastiff, what Demonomancy does is sure to please.

"Poisoned Atonement" is available here:

Band info: bandcamp || facebook