REVIEW: DEUS INFESTUS – Swansong for This Stillborn Race

 

DEUS INFESTUS – Swansong for This Stillborn Race

Independent

If there is any salvation from the stagnation and mediocrity plaguing our beloved metal scene—if a genuine escape from the prevailing trends that have dominated the past few years—then that salvation can only be found within the underground. DEUS INFESTUS exemplifies this truth, emerging as one of the most impressive and formidable bands I’ve encountered recently. Their five-track EP, Swansong for This Stillborn Race, stands as a testament that there are still compelling riffs to be played, aggressive rhythmic sections capable of igniting excitement, and dark, immersive atmospheres that can devastate and enthrall.

Without exaggeration and aligning with my personal taste, this release epitomizes what well-executed, relentless death/black metal truly is. Every moment and riff within the EP is crafted with precision, ensuring that boredom never sets in. The compositions are tight, skillfully performed, and enhanced by a superb production quality. The mixing and mastering, handled by R.D. Liapakis and C. Schmid, contribute significantly to the album’s clarity and power, highlighting the intricate details and raw intensity of each track.

The songwriting is top-tier, and what elevates this blackened death metal opus further are the technical prowess of the band members and the stellar performance by their session drummer, the renowned George Kollias (NILE, NIGHTFALL, SICKENING HORROR, among others). His drumming adds an extra layer of complexity and brutality that perfectly complements the band’s vision.

For fans of melodic death and black metal, DEUS INFESTUS offers a compelling next chapter in the genre’s evolution. Swansong for This Stillborn Race is an essential listen—an intense, expertly crafted record that no serious metal enthusiast can afford to overlook.

Christine  Parastatidou