NOTHINGNESS – GODSLAUGHTER

Instantly we’re pounded with unrelenting barrages of sonic brutality that are felt once that those first blows start disintegrating the ears. Self-described as digressive death metal, the band deliver their own brand of death-doom that fluctuates between mid-paced crushing to pained dirges and grinding volatility that is catchy and addictive. Blending traditional death metal styles with unconventional structures, the results are dissonant surges of riff laden hostility and warped shifts that imbue a sense of sickening dread and urgent convulsion. Expanding as a group on this recording, the additions of the second guitar and noise effects have the band sounding more heavier, extreme and articulate as compared to previous outputs.

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Working like an artillery assault, the guitars form the primary heaviness driven by a pulverising barrage of riffs, angular chords, and furious tremolo savagery. In their support, the bass grizzles along in volcanic harmony with solid low-end foundations nicely balanced in the mid tonal ranges that isn’t lost or muddied in the mix. Like enforced corrosion, the vocalics range from crusty intestinal growls to oxidised roars and caustic screams that project the lyrical content with an acidic fervour. Commanded with guile and precision, the drums are ablaze with crispy blast work, bruising breakdowns and sludgier grooves that are grounded and seismic. Infused into the compositions are the various effects and manipulations that create ethereal layers painted into the sonic canvas taking the listener further into a darkened space.

Covering topics reflecting personal experiences, atmospheres and emotions, the lyrical contents are equally complex as the songs themselves and are as incisive as they are unrestrained. Kicking off with the short and brutish opener Incinerated Immediately, the vibe is one of apprehension and intrigue. Skull Evulsion takes us on an incendiary death-grind trip into corruption and poverty, closely followed by Trenchant Gulch and its lead lined contrast of downtuned viscosity shading internecine concepts. Incredible Violence just throws endless nails into the coffin with no escape in sight of this sickening belter that touches on early 90’s gore flexed with the anger of classic grind. Channelling a slightly blackened feel, Umbral Spear wavers across various time changes and tempo bursts heightened with a panicked sense of trepidation and fear. And concluding this tome is the rhythmic heaving of Novus Hegemonikon and the examination of the inner ruling faculty that has a very strong Neurosis-like flow in its transmission.

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For a contemporary death metal album, Godslaughter shines bright due to the band’s exceptional sound, thematic nuance, and nihilistic impiety that is truly original and devastatingly brilliant. Those keen on the likes of Aeviterne, Gorguts, Morbid Angel, Misery Index, Nightmarer, or Suffocation are likely to find gravity with this album and be absorbed by its immense weight. An album to be revered and never ignored. 

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SCORE 10/10

Reviewed by glennosp