Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you:
GRACELESS; signed via
Raw Skull Recordz, hailing from the Netherlands - performing Death/Doom Metal, on their sophomoric album entitled: "
When Vultures Know Your Name" (
released March 27th, 2020).
Since formation in 2016; the quartet in question have 2 albums, the 1st entitled: "
Shadowlands" (
released in December 6th, 2017) and these here 2nd album entitled: "
When Vultures Know Your Name". They also have a Split entitled: "
Endless Spiral Of Terror" (
released October 30th, 2019). 8 tracks ranging at around 45:40;
GRACELESS arrange an intricately designed formula of heavy-hitting Death/Doom Metal amalgamations, "
Lugdunum Batavorum" begins the record - developing a gnarly fabrication of meticulously monstrous meatiness. Forging an amplified dose of trailblazing rampancy; uniquely vehement versatility that manifests boistrously bouncy crunchiness and a blistering barrage of rocketing frenzies, chugging into a galloping frolick of savage distortion while culminating fluidly polished sound production perseverence.
Consisting of
Kreft on vocals/guitars; the frontman excels into a gritty, guttural howl…growling with throaty snarls & raspy pipes. Lungs nail it into a killer juxtapostion of other worldly proportions, while "
Retaliation Of The Wicked" embellish into an experimental convergence with the Death/Doom aesthetic immensely well. The guitars fret into a groovy execution of rip-roaring shreds, thundering with profusely robust ramifications while lacerating jumpy outrè's of panache & ruthless pandemonium. Showcasing quintessential virtuosity, rawly rough substance & organic yet rapidly swift nimbleness persist with rumbling yet riveting retribution.
Bjorn on guitars also attributes adroitly consistent exuberence, implementing a hybrid dimension of wildly rushing sharpness and a hasty but hostile element of ominous atmospheres.
"
Commander Of Christ" contrasts a creatively detailed dynamic of volatile malice, supplying a dextrous bombardment of neckbreaking stabilty & tight songwriting musicianship. Mellifluently injecting an infectiously intense craftsmanship from audible bassist
Jasper, dominating a borderline foundation of punchy filth and concretely immersive harmonies. Hymns hardened with melodic malevolence, and a rambunctious mass of pummelling mayhem. Speaking of which;
Marc on drums hammers his steel with precision & an battering arsenal of triggering slams, revolved around a seamlessly sonic armanent of rampaging drum cymbal tapping that speeds with rhythmic rage. "
Nine Days Of Mourning" opens up with this overarch of ambient doom/gloom mood, this vibe is constant throughout the record and is transistioned with utmost perfection.
Structurely speaking;
GRACELESS professionally merge these sub-genres with skillful results, with the deadly contortion of fat & depthly but sinister riffs to the ambiency of doom thumping with pulsating rituals, while unleashing solid quirkiness… the band embellish on vibrantly upbeat snappiness. "
Here Be Dragons" sticks to you like hot rubbing tar; razor-scattering with an evil embodiment of enchanting entrenchments in which salubriously provides rich yet frantically energetic lamentation of relentless remedy. "
Warpath" needs not to be described surely? It is in the title; smothering eardrums into a sublime slab of vicious yet musical havoc, generating fuzzy soundscapes & mid-tempos that slither with variety while establishing a complex chunk of enriching headbanging experiences.
Overall concluding "
Where Vultures Know Your Name" with the finale epic: "
Embrace The Rain" which once again impressively fuses the Death/Doom joint with primitively primal subjugation which wonders with prodegiously fulfilling enlightenments that left my soul wanting to replay it continuously, it is a distinguishably distinctive performance that has a crazy amount of value. Bottom line; if you are a fan of both Death/Doom Metal, you maniacs reading this will most definitely want to discover this one out as
GRACELESS certainly outdone themselves here. A pretty much masterful recording indeed!
Songwriting: 9
Musicianship: 9
Memorability: 9
Production: 9