Evoker — Evil Torment

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Aussie blackened thrash/death metal trio from hell, EVOKER — featuring bassist Haas, drummer Eren Steyr-Aug and vocalist/guitarist Merlin Quinlan — create havoc on its six-track debut EP “Evil Torment” (released May 29 via the mighty Blood Harvest).

From the sampled thunderstorm intro, to the swirling, ominous riffs and filthy, putrid vocals on opening track “From the Depths,” the listener is fully aware that EVOKER means business. The band doesn’t let up on next track “Old Evil” either, with its relentless drum battering and furious riffing, decorated with one of the most catchiest and evilest choruses on the entire album. The early-era Slayer atmosphere on “Shackled to the Grave” is pure evil, while “Exhumation of the Damned” takes the band’s mid-paced, methodical battering to a new level.

Throughout the 22-plus minute aural assault, the band captures a primal and evil atmosphere in the vein of IMPIETY, DESTROYER 666, early SEPULTURA and the like. The riffs are mighty, plentiful and furious, while the rhythm section is thunderous and pummeling. In addition, Quinlan’s throat-shredding vocals are the perfect pitch for this type of metal.

What EVOKER manage to conjure up on “Evil Torment” is powerful, violent, filthy and fun. I know you’ll be reaching for the replay button once the thrusting, dive bomb guitar histrionics of album closer “Parasomanic” ends. I can’t wait for this band’s upcoming full-length album!

Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 8
Memorability: 9
Production: 8