Morbid Cruelty - Holodomor

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Holodomor (in Ukranian Голодомо́р, a derivative form of writing ‘killing by famine’, also known as Famine-Terror) is a sad part of world’s history. During Stalin’s dictatorial rule on Soviet Union, some reforms caused a massive famine in Ukraine, and the estimate number around 1.5 and 10 million of lives that were destroyed. So when one speaks about the relations between Russia and Ukraine, one must have in mind this fact, and remember: dictators aren’t left or right-winged, but just destroyers of lives and countries (all the dictators come from the same pile of shit and dirty). And the name of the first album of the Chilean duet MORBID CRUELTY is a reference to such thing (because in some aspects of the lyrics seem to be hooked to the theme).

The band has an Old School Death Metal appeal on its musical work, something inherited from the days when MORBID ANGEL, POSSESSED, DEATH, DEICIDE and other pioneers were just releasing the early (and classic) albums, along with some Thrash Metal and Hardcore influences. It’s brutal, massive and aggressive to the bones, but using a simple and good technical approach. So be prepared, because even walking in an erode way, they use a personal approach on their work. Matias Ubeda (the band’s bassist and guitarist) is the one who recorded, mixed and mastered the songs of “Holodomor”. And the choice is for something old fashioned, crude and brutal, as a recording done in the ending days of the 80’s. But it fits on their work, and besides could be better, it’s good for now.

“Sacrifice” (a classic Death Metal song in all aspects, with the due speed and with a solid work on the rhythmic changes), “Holodomor” (another abrasive and fast song, filled with nasty and distorted guitar riffs), “The Grey Day of the Massgrave” (the slow approach of some parts is a very good feature, enabling the band to use a different approach on their musical work), “Petrifying Trauma” (another classic Death Metal song with an outfit nearer what Death Metal was in the years of 1985 and 1986), “Red Ripper” (very good and simple fast tempos, using wisely some rhythmic shifts), and “Abysmal Terror” are the best ones for a first time on the album. And their version for “God Died on His Knees” (and old INCUBUS song) depicts one of the sources of their musical influences.

“Holodomor” is a very good release for a beginner (that can evolve a bit more), so if you’re into Old School Death Metal, give a chance to MORBID CRUELTY. You won’t regret it!

Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 8
Memorability: 8
Production: 7