PIG'S BLOOD - DESTROYING THE SPIRIT

A callous and unrelenting barrage of blazing riffage, aggressive vocals, and a hyper-volcanic rhythm section, the band invoke some serious sonic violence that should have mosh fanatics frothing at the ears. Drawing from the raw fury of early 90’s exponents, Deicide, Incantation, Morbid Angel and Order of Chaos, and the nastiness of more contemporary savages, Blasphemy, Nunslaughter and Revenge, PIG’s BLOOD conjure a hybrid of classic death, speed, and black metal imbued with some thrashy grind resulting in a sound that is unabashed and vehement. Whilst somewhat falling under the war metal banner, the band’s style is an amalgamation of new and old influences forged with their own originality while remaining devoid of any specific genre handle.

Stopping the clock at just over 33 minutes, the ten offerings are evil, fierce, and direct. There’s no intro’s, no interludes, just pure intense crushing brutality. Opening with Standing in Depravity, we’re instantly thrown into the cauldron with bruising riff work, gnarly chord arrangements and sickening vocalic roars, and then thrust into the title track which continues with much the same malevolent shredding and blasphemous aspersions. For me there’s quite a few standouts on this album from the sharp riffing and urgent aberrations in Rabid Dogs, the vitriolic anger and pounding blasts in Satanic Hammer of Justice, and the up-tempo frenzy and bellicose screams of Ravenous Hellslaught, all delivered with a raging militancy - these titles alone should declare what diabolical themes await. The sheer power and energy in Strikeforce of Isolate Will closes out the sorcery with its incendiary fretwork, crashing drums, tremulous bass, and abrasive growls precepting a battle inducing fervour. 

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Destroying the Spirit is a hostile codex of warlike hymns cast with a scorching vigour unlocking new levels of blackened chaos and maniacal barbarity. For those who thirst for maximum carnage and destructive pummelling, then this album will absolutely deliver the killer blows to achieve that impact.

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SCORE 8.5/10

Reviewed by Glennosp

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