If you look at Defiant's logo, you may think they are a metalcore band, right? Well, they aren't because they send freezing greetings from Croatia with their death/black metal. Their latest album which is under inspection here, 'Insurrection Icon', is already their fourth one; they've certainly flew under the radar for me.

While the band's logo isn't a threating one (even though there are them roots), lively Ana Sambol (R.I.P.) cover artwork is. Her absolutely vivid piece raises some expectations for the musical aspect of the album. The opener 'Solemn in Plagues' is rather simplistic, if catchy enough, piece in vein of post-black Behemoth. Blasting it is, with mid-paced parts, with open-stringed guitars over tremolo riffing. The rumbling bass and manly growl with overlapping higher growl. Black metal or death metal? I'd say black.

Soon, more hues begin to occur in the compositions. And it is only for the better. Anyway, lots of time it is sawing riffing /not always tremolo) and punishing bass guitar playing, and at times that open-stringed mood building, or more melodic chord progression and lead guitar work. The title track is a fine example of the latter; very Swedish-sounding song (e.g. Necrophobic comes to mind). However, mainly it is some Polish bands that Defiant reminds of, together with aforementioned Behemoth: Lost Soul and Hate, for very good examples. Defiant were able to create rather ominous or bestial atmospheres here. However, guitar solos on 'One with Chaos' are a fine instance of "beauty and beast" facet, that is at times evident (An example: Pestilence's 'Land of Tears'). However, there are many insane solos, reminding a bit of Slayer's. The drumming consists of double kick drumming and blasting, or D-beats, whenever it is time for faster stuff. Some cymbal tricks are often utilized. The band can cut speed for maximum effect.

Defiant do it with a rather simplistic recipe, which can be effective, but it also feels incomplete at times. Sometimes I want to hear catchier stuff here, and this often happens when they turn death metal over black metal. Clearer riffs, I presume. Also doing some guitar leads or melodic solos help; these are often brief, yet effective awakeners. It is not shoddy, but underachieved in my opinion, for majority of the album.

Lyrically, the album is about fighting against major religious groups and other authorities. Blasphemy and war are topics alongside Satanism, witches and misanthropy. But heck, what an unreadable font was chosen for lyrics and information on the booklet...

The sound is bassy and rough-ish, definitely death metaly. Even the guitar tone is. Performances are good. In no way are they technically showy, but certainly robust and solid. It is pity, that the songwriting isn't on the same level. Not bad, never stellar.

Rating: 6+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/01/2019 15:49