When we come into the depths of all that extreme metal is capable of, the notions of evil material are certainly themes that come up time after time even if there are plenty of corners throughout the underground that have overplayed and overused it to such a degree that it has all become downright tiresome. On occasion, however, like a bender of madness amongst the supposedly sane, there is a band that comes out the woodwork to really show us what menace and terror can still be in the form of metal that's nigh on scathing. For their second album, Upon the Altar still shows what all can still be done.
By all accounts, there's not much done here that can be considered groundbreaking in the realms of blackened death metal and its surrounding styles, but that doesn't mean that a little bit of a talent and intensity doesn't go a particularly long way. That can be the case for any style, really, and it's here that Upon the Altar has shown us just how far it all can go in the right quantities within the eight tracks of the fittingly name powerhouse of darkness that is "Descendants of Evil". Powered by true black magic that entices naught but necromancy and the darkest of dawns, this is a record that holds nothing back when it comes to raw, unfettered menace the likes of which we see many attempt over the years with few able to come close to what Upon the Altar achieves. Riffs and loads of thunderous moments of intensity to constantly enthrall any who come for the madness of it all, Upon the Altar knows precisely how to deliver at every given turn no matter which direction they turn or how they deign to go about it. Whether it comes in the bestial form of a monolithic presence making its way towards you or a speedy deliverance of pure evil that seeks nothing but the blotting out the very sun, "Descendants of Evil" hits on all the right familiar notes and knows how to capitalize on every bit of it.
We've seen plenty of iterations of madness over the years with loads trying their hand at bringing real terror to the scene in such a form that feels as powerful as it does intense. Pound for pound, Upon the Altar delivers in damn near every regard. A terrific display of insanity as the skies darken for the rest of eternity, "Descendants of Evil" holds nothing back and leaves nothing on the table when it comes to the utterly raw fire Upon the Altar worships in every instance.
"Descendants of Evil" releases on July 19th via Godz ov War Productions!
LISTEN to an advanced track from "Descendants of Evil" on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.
LIKE Upon the Altar on Facebook here.
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