VOID MONUMENTS - POSTHUMOUS IMPRECATION

The opening track sets the scene with a haunting organ melody and string ensemble instantly transporting the listener to a time of heresy and burning witches at the stake. In the distant background are unending screams and what sounds like fires burning, finishing off with an evil sinister laugh.

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‘Epitome of Fear’ starts with a menacing guitar riff and drum beat with the low end rumbling in support, then the second guitar joins playing the riffs harmony. A deep vocal growl carries the terror and foreboding. The riffs have a Slayer vibe to them, similar to ‘Seasons in the Abyss’.

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Track 3 feels like the “Imprecation” or curse from the album title. A slow evil demonic riff plays for just over a minute and then the band move into the familiar structure of the genre. With a nasty half-time breakdown near the end, the original haunting intro melody is reintroduced linking back and maintaining the original motif.

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Chaos erupts with ‘Decapitate the Saints’! This is the first song to begin with a wailing guitar solo that is reminiscent of screaming victims. Again, it has an early Slayer vibe to it. The double kick blasts and the ride cymbal is positioned balanced in the mix to add an additional percussive layer over the top. The song finishes as it starts with a howling whammy bar style solo.

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As the story moves towards to the climax of the album with the track ‘Ascent to Crucifixion’, the ferocity of the blast beats and rumble of the bass drive the song forward as the guitar riffs weave their demonic curse. Malleus’ is standing at the pulpit giving a growling sermon to his followers.

The haunting pressure is maintained with the bands signature playing style. The guttural vocal which before had previously sat alone is now juxtaposed by a higher screeching style vocal, like a call and response. ‘Invocation’ is a strong track and introduces new vocal elements and additional layers.

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The aggressive and fast duelling guitars riffs are the standout on ‘The Signs of Blasphemy’. They continue to be supported by the vocal, blasting drums and low end of the bass, working together as they lay the foundation for the resolution of the story.

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The final track ‘Father of Sin’ introduces another sonic layer with a ringing open style picked melody and distorted solo, the drum groove sits on the floor toms and is brooding. The song has a long intro at nearly 1:30min, although the whole track captures and resolves the energy of the preceding tracks with the same strength and clarity.

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Void Monuments have created a strong debut release with ‘Posthumous Imprecation’, building on their 2024 demo ‘Temples of Pestilence’. Fans of old school death metal and thrash will hear the tried and true musical formulae and influence laid down by pioneer bands such as Morbid Angel and Obituary and the riffs of early Slayer, while vocally it would sit in the same realm as Entombed. The production is balanced allowing every sonic layer and texture to sit within its own dynamic range as it follows the ebb and flow of the musical tale. A strong foundation has been laid for the band to capitalise on with future releases.

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SCORE 8/10

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Reviewed by Moth

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