This is the second album from German Death Metal band Reckless Manslaughter, and they’ve released what could easily be a genre-classic.
It opens with a thunderous onslaught that eventually morphs into a Hellishly good groove and from there onto heavy-as-hell chug territory; all the time sickened vocals belch out hymns of war over the top of it all. And this is only the first couple of minutes of the first trackĀ Storm of Vengeance. Oh this is going to be good.
The sound is professional and near-perfect, even the bass is audible. The drums are solid and engaging and the vocal delivery is spot-on.
The songs are intelligently written and cleverly crafted. Although they do pick up the pace when necessary a lot of it is just a mid-paced exercise in Death Metal demolition and twice as heavy as that. Unexpectedly there are also a good number of hooks and catchy choruses on offer. It really is that good.
I love Death Metal like this – good sound, good songs, good ideas. Taking their cues fromĀ bands such as Bolt Thrower and Incantation, they have produced one battle-tank-heavy album. This is a punishing and rewarding listen.
Reckless Manslaughter have produced an overachieving album that perfectly embodies all that is great about crushing Death Metal. Hopefully it will help them garner the recognition they richly deserve.
A deeply satisfying listen and one for your “I must get this now” lists.