Polish Deathspawn aren't newcomers exactly, as they started as Resurrection almost a decade ago. Okay, they put out one album during the Resurrection days, and 'Reverendus' is Deathspawn's debut one. Drummer Krzysztof Klingbein has played live with Vader, so there's the level where Deathspawn operate, basically: The instruments are technically skilled, and this isn't lacking in songwriting department either.

Maelstrom guitar playing often has a Mid-Eastern tinge to it, and reminds about Melechesh, and to some extent, Nile. There's churning low note riffs and sweeping tremolo playing, and a lot of it is lightning-fast and with a feeling being inside a vortex. The band's feet are in modern Polish death metal (e.g. Lost Soul, Hate), but they have taken this exotic scale thing pretty far. The drumming is absolutely all around the kit (a big kit, that is). A huge variety of beats is played, from heavy double kicks to pummeling, fast blasting, and all kinds of cymbal and tom tricks are everywhere. The bass guitar is there, but somewhat obscured by the bass drums. The vocals are low, venomous growling with powerful output, often doubled to create the (even more) demonic effect. It all does sound beckoning, but also reveals its ominous, viperish demeanor, and feels like sandstorm attacking and penetrating the body of a poor traveller.

The songs need concentrating, because so much is going on almost all the time. However, there are loads of catchy melody structures happening every now and then, plus the guitar solos are composed, not so shredded out. In addition, there are some slower and "calmer" spots dribbled a few times (e.g. the spooky intro for 'Rage of Pariah'). The thing is, that Deathspawn do not have much of a face of their own, no matter how accomplished the performances or songs are. It is a bit hard to really grip and stand in total awe, due to that fact, while listening to 'Reverendus'. That's simply the brutal truth.

The production is loud and modern, quite machiney. The kick drums are thundering. The guitars sound warm yet deadly. And the vocals are upfront, too. Only the bass guitar did not find its place well in the mix. The lyrics are philosophical and in-depth, and the cover art rather hypnotic.

Even though Deathspawn are in debt for many a band, one searching for a certain kind of death metal may find 'Reverendus' a dark blessing. It certainly maims, if not straight out kill. The abyss beckons, but do you accept the invitation?

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
12/16/2021 18:10