REVIEW: REVEL IN FLESH - The Hour of the Avenger

 

REVEL IN FLESH - The Hour of the Avenger

War Anthem Records

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Hailing from Germany and delving deep into the realm of the renowned Swedish sound, this release stands as a true monument in the world of music. Upon my initial listens, I found it to be undeniably compelling. With its savage riffs and vocals, and the relentless percussion weaving alongside those menacing guitars, it creates an impact that's hard to surpass. These musicians established their prowess early on and have consistently evolved in an impressive trajectory. In this release, it's challenging to pinpoint any significant flaws or missteps; they've maintained their excellence from the outset.

What truly captivates me is the dynamic nature of their music. It appears they effortlessly navigate through various tempos, injecting the release with a refreshing blend of diversity and authenticity.

The vocal performance, ranging from deep, guttural lows to piercing screams, adds another layer of versatility to their artistry. Paired with the music, it elevates the overall experience to a higher level of enduring quality. It's evident that these artists are well-versed in every aspect of their craft.

This release deserves more recognition, and one can only hope for more follow-up releases, given that this one is now four years old.

While Germany has seen bands like Fleshcrawl, who have skillfully captured the essence of early Entombed, Entrails, and Dismember, this release by these musicians is truly unique. They've delivered an impressive 45 minutes of near-perfect music. Every beat, riff, and vocal is executed flawlessly, showcasing their refusal to confine themselves to any musical boundaries.

These artists are on an upward trajectory, and their unwavering dedication to their chosen path promises even greater things in the future. Personally, I am thoroughly convinced that they have made a significant impact, as evidenced by my recent acquisition of their CD.

Some bands in a similar vein may fade into obscurity, but I strongly believe that this band is merely taking a temporary hiatus. They are bound to return to the forefront soon. While many in the death metal scene may not be familiar with them, particularly millennials, I hope that more ears will discover their music, even if it's currently limited to streaming platforms. As a collector of CDs, I am more than willing to support their music by purchasing physical copies, as I am aware of the financial challenges musicians face with streaming services, where earnings are often unjustly meager.

The music industry has undergone substantial transformations, especially with the advent of Napster, but bands like these continue to persevere and create outstanding albums. Let's hope that genuine fans continue to show their support by investing in CDs and vinyl. Regardless of where or how you listen to it, I encourage you to savor this release.

Ryan “Death8699” Fanucchi