This is the debut album from New Zealand grindcore band RVKKVS.
Featuring members of Exordium Mors, RVKKVS play ferocious deathgrind, and across 17 minutes Antithesis of Prosperity rages and tears itself through the airwaves like a thing possessed.
The songs on Antithesis of Prosperity are short and brutal, combining elements of death metal and grindcore into something that’s both nasty and tasty. The songwriting is furious, but focused. This is the sort of grind I really like – it’s abrasive and unforgiving, but not one-dimensional. RVKKVS have a clear vision for their grindcore, and mediocrity is not for them.
There’s a depth to RVKKVS’ music that’s uncommon for the style. The music smashes together blasting intensity and harsh heaviness with angular guitars and expressive songcraft. It’s unusual to find things like atmosphere, melody, and thoughtful composition in grind, but RVKKVS manage to include them here, balancing sheer chaotic hostility with a wider sense of worldbuilding that’s compelling.
Like the rest of the music, the vocals are strong. Deep world-swallowing growls and piercing insectile screams are the order of business, and business is booming it seems.
Antithesis of Prosperity is brutal, harsh, hostile, and downright nasty. So far, so grind. However, it takes this base savagery and builds on it with creative heaviness, inventive guitars, and immersive structuring. The end result is a dynamic and energetic short sharp shock of extremity that has more than enough meaty content to hold the listener’s attention. RVKKVS know how to grind, and they do so with passionate skill.
Very highly recommended. Fans of bands such as Maruta, Brutal Truth, Insect Warfare, Nasum, and Full of Hell need to get to grips with this beast as soon as possible.
Wonderbox Metal 