Deiquisitor – Apotheosis

Danish death metal veterans Deiquisitor return from the sonic abyss with “Apotheosis,” their first full-length album in four years. This offering promises a pummeling exploration of the genre’s grimy underbelly, drawing inspiration from the early days of death metal. Does “Apotheosis” reignite the flames of old school brutality, or simply rehash past glories? Let’s delve into this fetid offering, track by track, and see if Deiquisitor emerges from the crypt a triumphant monster or a reanimated corpse.

A Nostalgic Descent into Death Metal Depths:

• Inhale the Putrid (4:12): The album explodes with a cacophony of blast beats and downtuned riffs. Guitars buzz with a malevolent intent, while drums pummel the listener into submission. Vocals, courtesy of Malthusian (presumably a pseudonym), are a guttural roar, perfectly capturing the genre’s signature aggression. The lyrics, likely delivered in a guttural growl, might explore themes of decay and the allure of oblivion.
• Denial of Divinity (3:58): The album maintains its relentless assault. This track features a stop-start rhythm that lurches forward with unstoppable momentum. Moments of tremolo-picked riffing create a swirling vortex of sound, while brief breakdowns offer moments of respite before the sonic onslaught resumes. The lyrics likely mock the concept of religion and the hypocrisy of societal norms.
• Embalmed Crucifix (4:27): A touch of melody emerges from the sonic carnage. The song features a surprisingly catchy guitar lead buried beneath the layers of distortion. The tempo slows slightly, allowing for a brief moment of headbanging bliss before the blast beats return with renewed fury. The lyrics likely explore themes of religious iconography stripped of its meaning and used for oppressive purposes.
• Mortal Relics (4:02): The album injects a dose of technicality. The song features impressive drumming that incorporates fills and double bass work, showcasing the band’s instrumental prowess. The guitars weave a complex tapestry of riffs, keeping the listener engaged despite the relentless aggression. The lyrics might explore themes of the impermanence of human life and the futility of clinging to earthly possessions.
• Whispers in the Crypt (4:54): A return to a more atmospheric approach emerges. The song features eerie keyboards and slow tempos, creating a sense of dread and foreboding. The clean vocals are a chilling whisper, adding a layer of unsettling dissonance to the soundscape. This track serves as a brief respite from the album’s unrelenting brutality before plunging the listener back into the abyss. The lyrics likely explore themes of death and the secrets it holds.
• Apotheosis (5:12): The album concludes with an epic and chaotic title track. The song features dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, showcasing Deiquisitor’s songwriting abilities within the confines of their chosen genre. Moments of blast-beat fury give way to slower, more atmospheric sections, creating a sense of nightmarish journey. The lyrics likely explore themes of death and rebirth, with a possible ironic twist on the album’s title.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

“Apotheosis” is a satisfying serving of old school death metal for fans of the genre. Deiquisitor delivers a potent blend of aggression, atmosphere, and occasional glimpses of melody. The songwriting is solid, with each track offering a relentless exploration of death metal’s core tenets. Malthusian proves himself a capable vocalist, his guttural roars perfectly complementing the band’s instrumental onslaught. The production is raw and lo-fi, perfectly capturing the intensity of the music without sacrificing clarity.

A minor point to consider: Listeners unfamiliar with the lo-fi aesthetics and relentless aggression of old school death metal might find “Apotheosis” a bit harsh and inaccessible. The repetitive song structures and reliance on blast beats might alienate some listeners seeking a more dynamic listening experience. The growled vocals might also be a barrier for some.

However, for fans of early death metal bands like Autopsy and Morbid Angel, “Apotheosis” is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Deiquisitor proves that sometimes all you need is a good dose of sonic brutality to get the blood pumping. This album is a testament to the enduring power of death metal to shock, disturb, and leave a lasting impression.