This is the third album from Finnish death metallers Concrete Winds.
Concrete Winds is a 25-minute monstrosity that bleeds violence from every infected pore. It’s abrasive and hateful, yet carries with it more depth and substance than you’d probably expect; Concrete Winds seem to know what they’re doing.
The base of the music is abominable death metal, malignant and grim. This is then spliced with grindcore to create a truly formidable entity. There’s an industrial edge that appears on occasion, adding extra texture to the music’s hostile harshness. A touch of blackened darkness brings a crueller bite, but mostly this is horrifying deathgrind of the most loathsome variety.
The music’s barbed assault is feral and unrestrained, savagely attacking the listener with blasting brutality and merciless intensity. Screeching solos, howl like screaming deamons, and these are just one of many highlights that Concrete Winds boasts. The songs are packed with furious riffs that reek of corruption and chaos – they seem to somehow turn in on themselves, warping into vortices of distorted malice that lash out with virulent aggression.
Look past the dark insanity of the chaotic violence, (if you can), and you’ll find songs that are actually well-written, with a surprising amount of skilled structuring, an intelligent application of dynamics, and creative use of interesting ideas. It may not look like it at first glance, but Concrete Winds have a sophistication to their approach that’s impressive; the songs benefit from this greatly, offering not only raw aggression, but songwriting that is above standard for the style.
Imagine Exhumed‘s early deathgrind enthusiasm, combine this with Nasum’s songsmithing skill, throw in some ancient Morbid Angel for killer riffs and leads, and then piss all over everything with the sort of foul nastiness that bands such as Revenge, Black Witchery, and Archgoat unleash, and you’ll have a rough starting point for the unhinged ferocity of Concrete Winds.
If you’re in the market for a fierce hit of raging deathgrind brutality, but one backed up by actual songwriting skill and capable delivery, then this is for you. Concrete Winds have made a strong impression.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 