REVIEW: DIABOLOS DUST - Ruins of Mankind

 

DIABOLOS DUST - Ruins of Mankind

Massacre Records

DIABOLOS DUST, hailing from Germany, present their debut album, “Ruins of Mankind”. While their geographical origin is European, the musical direction firmly aligns with the sound of the U.S. metal scene, delivering a style best categorized as heavy/thrash metal.

The band’s sound is clearly built upon the foundations laid by prominent metal acts. The most pervasive influence throughout the album is unequivocally METALLICA, particularly their mid-period works. Secondary influences that contribute to the overall texture include the melodic power of ICED EARTH and, at times, the seasoned approach of bands like RAGE.

This blending results in a confident, rhythm-heavy delivery. The musicianship displayed across the tracklist suggests a competent and talented group.

The album’s strength lies in its solid ideas and well-executed riffs, notably demonstrated in tracks such as "Judgment Day," "Slave," and "Never Surrender". These songs showcase the band’s potential for crafting impactful metal.

However, the album is characterized by a strong adherence to mid-tempo rhythms. A critical observation is the relative homogeneity of the song structures across the release. This structural and rhythmic consistency ultimately leads to a perceived lack of variety in the overall album flow. While the listening experience remains generally un-fatiguing, the similarity between compositions hinders the creation of distinct, memorable high points that would compel repeated listening.

“Ruins of Mankind” is a competently performed debut from DIABOLOS DUST, who clearly possess the technical skill and confidence to be a serious metal act. The record successfully introduces their heavy/thrash sound, heavily influenced by the American metal tradition.

For the listener, the enjoyment of this album will likely hinge on their tolerance for a consistent mid-tempo approach and strong stylistic adherence to their main influences. Prospective listeners are strongly encouraged to sample the music before making a purchasing decision. The album is a solid foundation that simply requires more dynamic compositional elements to truly stand out.

Nick Parastatidis