ALBUM REVIEW: Bleeding Gods, "Dodekathlon"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 12/01/2018

Label: Nuclear Blast

"Dodekathlon" proves to be a good return for one of death metal's more reliable newer performers.

“Dodekathlon”CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Bloodguilt (Nemean Lion)

2. Multiple Decapitation (Lernaean Hydra)             

3. Beloved Artemis (Ceryneian Hind)

4. From Feast To Beast (Erymanthian Boar)

5. Inhuman Humiliation (Augean Stables)                

6. Birds Of Hate (Stymphalian Birds)

7. Savior Of Crete (Cretan Bull)

8. Tyrannical Blood (Mares Of Diomedes)

9. Seeds Of Distrust (Belt Of Hippolyta)

10. Tripled Anger (Cattle Of Geryon)         

11. Hera’s Orchard (Apples Of The Hesperides)

12. Hound Of Hell (Cerberus)

The Review:

Dutch symphonic death metal band Bleeding Gods have opted for the ambitious on the group's new album, with tracks themed around the 12 labors of Hercules, the Greek myth of trials the hero faced in service to King Eurystheus. Spoiler alert if you forgot this from middle-school English class: a bunch of stuff dies and Hercules scores a whole lot of win. It is a fantastic tale for the vehicle of guitarist Ramon Ploeg to delve into. The story has vivid imagery and, of course, imaginative creatures and rivers of gore. "Dodekathlon," the quintet's follow up record to 2014's "Shepherd of Souls," is the fruit of this labor.

As it is, symphonic death metal is a crowded field with many challenges to being distinct. Where Bleeding Gods succeeds is in striking the right atmosphere. From the opener, "Bloodguilt (Nemean Lion)," a lyrically relentless and musically harsh charge headlong into the abyss, Bleeding Godseffortlessly bring in elements of thrash and other subgenres into their dark vision. That driving style is most apparent on "Birds Of Hate (Stymphalian Birds)" and "Seeds Of Distrust (Belt Of Hippolyta)," and it's a bold choice. Yet even on more traditionally symphonic cuts like "Multiple Decapitation (Lernaean Hydra)," Bleeding Gods seems best when it offers an experienced polish to its delivery, while maintaining the intensity and openness of a new act. The results are indeed powerful.

With its new album, Bleeding Gods makes a few lineup changes, most notably Daan Klemann on drums. He takes over for Edwin van den Eeden, best known for his work with Anatomy of I and Calaspia. In addition, Rutger Van Noordenburg replaces Erwin Harreman on guitars. However, the core of Ploeg, vocalist Mark Huisman and bassist Gea Mulder remains intact. The playing is not a major departure from "Shepherd of Souls," though you may catch several stylistic differences on songs like "Tyrannical Blood (Mares Of Diomedes)." Nevertheless, Bleeding Gods stays true to the sound that won over many fans to what it does best.

Where Bleeding Gods does some of its best work is on "Savior Of Crete (Cretan Bull)," which has a familiar ascension that showcases some stellar power chords. "From Feast To Beast (Erymanthian Boar)" also kicks off with a methodical build and becomes a rambunctious orchestra of drums, bass and riffs. In all, "Dodekathlon" proves to be a good return for one of death metal's more reliable newer performers.

"Dodekathlon" is available here

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Septicflesh - "Codex Omega"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full length

Date Released: 01/09/2017

Label: Season of Mist

Septicflesh mostly sticks to what it is strongest at, and where its legend has been built: in beautifully composed, wicked death metal.

“Codex Omega” CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Dante's Inferno

2. 3rd Testament               

3. Portrait of a Headless Man

4. Martyr              

5. Enemy of Truth

6. Dark Art           

7. Our Church below the Sea

8. Faceless Queen

9. The Gospels of Fear

10. Trinity

The Review:

Hailing from Athens, Greece, Septicflesh has carved one of the most distinctive paths in extreme metal. Ten albums into its career, the quartet creates a brand of symphonic death metal that is rare for its style as it is in terms of longevity. "Codex Omega" marks the first album for the group since 2014, when "Titan" beguiled audiences. However, Septicflesh has a catalog of many triumphs, including 2011's "The Great Mass" and 2008's "Communion" as well as many more.

While symphonic death metal is admittedly not as populous as its cousin, symphonic black metal, Septicflesh is, virtually without question, regarded as the best group in the subgenre. Since its formation in 1990, the Greek ensemble has created some of the best music in the scene. Even with a four-year layoff following a breakup and reunion in the early 2000s, Septicflesh has managed not to lose its stride and instead put out some of the most respected music available. "Communion" is still today regarded as a touchstone moment for symphonic death metal. So, when "Codex Omega" was announced, hopes for the group could not have been higher.

Septicflesh begins with "Dante's Inferno." The strings and woodwind create the space here, only to make way for Christos Antoniou's explosive guitar. If you have heard the band before, its ascent on this song will feel familiar. Kerim Lechner's epic drumming surges through the opener, then into "Third Testament." There is nearly a scientific preciseness to it; chords unleash Hell as the orchestra meets them like an infernal chorus all their own. Later, songs like "Dark Art" and "Our Church" hew a similar path. Its signifiers -- lumbering riffs, diabolical vocals and a mammoth sound made larger by the overall arrangement – are not unique for the veteran band. Its members have the reputation they have for outstanding musical performances, and the opening of "Codex Omega" seems poised to do that legacy justice.

"Martyr" begins with a folkloric touch, until the more substantial guitar attack snakes in. With lyrics that convey themes of faith and intolerance ("A strife has grown between faith and wisdom/You choose to stand for the exalted ego/Your creation, a creation maimed/Blame the vultures for their vile way"), Septicflesh is also dedicated to powerful songwriting. The beauty of such a consistent and consummately great band like Septicflesh is you know what you're getting with their albums. The interchange between Christos Antoniou's guttural vocal and Sotiris Vayenas' clean vocals is one of those better features. On a song such as " Portrait of a Headless Man," the duo alternate with aesthetics that share a story ("I am a man with strong regrets/I followed great deceivers/Believe in headless leaders/They played their game, true sons of Cain/But I was a hopeless dreamer/With my head deep in the clouds") and also create an air of menace, even remorse. Their chemistry reminds you why Septicflesh is so loved among death metal devotees.

Septicfleshhas, at different points, mixed gothic and black metal influences into its symphonic death metal formula. Those elements are evident in cuts like "The Gospels of Fear." However, Septicflesh mostly sticks to what it is strongest at, and where its legend has been built: in beautifully composed, wicked death metal.

Band info: bandcamp || facebook