Misanthropik Torment – Declaration Of War
Misanthropik Torment – Declaration Of War
Earache Records
Release Date: 28/08/23
Running Time: 34:45
Review by Oli Gonzalez
6/10
Hardhitting, straight on the nose, and never to compromise. Just some ways I would describe Misanthropik Torment, and their new release “Declaraton Of War”, via Earache records. Centred around emotionally charged topics such as terrorism and government corruption, it’s refreshing to see artists play by their own rules and not what record labels or the masses dictate.
Some first thoughts upon first listening to the album; this is intense, balls-to-the-wall intense! This isn’t melodic or pretty either! The opening sound bite of gunshots and warzone screams set a sombre mood, adding to the sense of despair. I’m particularly enjoying the blackened death metal vibe, as well as some groove elements. The production values are great too – just what you’d expect if Earache Records are involved. There’s certainly some early highlights for me, including another blackened death metal style riff in ‘Feed The Machine’, and some of the heavier groove elements in ‘Total Rejection Of Gods/Government‘. The song titles hold back no punches and highlight a clear anti-establishment mantra. However, I must confess that I started to lose interest in the middle of the song. No doubt the music is brutal and intense. However, I wasn’t seeing much variety in the compositions. It’s hard to differentiate between the songs. The vocals are consistently heavy throughout. Unfortunately, it’s very hard to understand any lyrics thus it seems counterintuitive if the band are trying to spread their message. Especially if that message just gets lost in a growl with little diction or enunciation. I’d go as far to say there’s too much filler in the album.
With that being said, I felt the album got stronger as it progressed. Especially with some much-needed variety and expanding beyond the death metal foundation. We can hear some metalcore style rhythms in ‘Embrace Hatred’ and ‘Take My Eyes’. This adds more to what could be considered one dimensional at this stage.
The crown jewel for this album is the final song, ‘ Misdirected Lambs’. Strongest song by far. Some of that old school production reminds me of ‘Davidian’ by Machine Head, or Bolt Thrower. Raw and gritty yet somehow still polished. Rather than being a blatantly fast and rapid affair, this song is much slower and sludge-filled, easily the slowest song on the album. The groove metal game has been upped while still maintaining that death metal spine. A very strong finish to the album.
Overall, the album demonstrates clear promise and some exciting individual elements. Building on these strengths and addressing the fixable issues would make for a much stronger release in the future.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Rebel Against The Establishment Power Belongs To The People
02. Declaration Of War
03. Feed The Machine
04. Total Rejection Of Gods/Government
05. Political Paedophiles
06. Land Of Free, Home Of The Slaves
07. I Will Kill Again
08. Boots Of Mass Destruction
09. Embrace The Hatred
10. Take My Eyes
11. Misdirected Lambs
LINE-UP:
Johnathan Nesbitt – Instruments
Erick Draven – Vocals
LINKS:
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