🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Prays to God, Sleep with the Devil
Track 2: Fatalist
Track 3: The Human Heart Is a Cemetery
Track 4: A Cross to Bear with Sorrow
Track 5: Beast Throne
Track 6: Lucifer, I Witness
🎸 Album Review:
Dutch extreme metal outfit Deinonychus makes a thunderous return with their latest album, “Fatalist.” Released on May 29, 2021, this six-track offering is a harrowing journey through the depths of human despair and existential angst. Deinonychus, known for their unique blend of black and doom metal, once again deliver a haunting and atmospheric experience that will leave listeners emotionally drained yet strangely invigorated.
From the opening track, “Prays to God, Sleep with the Devil,” Deinonychus sets the tone for the album with its pummeling drums, razor-sharp guitars, and guttural vocals. The song explores the duality of human nature, delving into the darkness that resides within us all. This theme of inner turmoil and spiritual conflict runs like a thread throughout the album, culminating in the title track, “Fatalist.” Here, the band reaches a crescendo of despair and resignation, painting a bleak picture of a world devoid of hope.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “The Human Heart Is a Cemetery,” a slow-burning dirge that showcases Deinonychus’ mastery of atmosphere and mood. The haunting melody is complemented by vocalist Marco Kehren’s anguished screams, creating a sense of profound melancholy that lingers long after the song has ended. The juxtaposition of beauty and brutality in this track is a testament to the band’s ability to craft complex and emotionally resonant music.
“A Cross to Bear with Sorrow” sees Deinonychus delving into more melodic territory, with soaring guitar solos and clean vocals adding a new dimension to their sound. The juxtaposition of clean and harsh vocals creates a sense of tension and unease, underscoring the lyrical themes of suffering and redemption. This track serves as a powerful reminder of the band’s versatility and willingness to push boundaries within the black metal genre.
“Beast Throne” is a relentless onslaught of blast beats and dissonant riffs, showcasing the band’s ferocious intensity and technical prowess. The frenetic pace of the song mirrors the chaotic nature of the lyrics, which delve into themes of primal instinct and animalistic urges. This track serves as a stark reminder of the band’s roots in black metal and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.
The album closes with “Lucifer, I Witness,” a sprawling epic that clocks in at over ten minutes. This track serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, encapsulating the band’s signature sound and thematic concerns in one epic journey. The song builds to a climactic crescendo, with swirling guitars and thunderous drums creating a sense of apocalyptic grandeur. The haunting refrain of “Lucifer, I Witness” lingers in the mind long after the final notes have faded away, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
In comparison to Deinonychus’ previous albums, “Fatalist” represents a culmination of the band’s evolution and growth as artists. While their earlier work was characterized by raw aggression and sheer sonic brutality, this album sees the band embracing a more nuanced and atmospheric approach to songwriting. The production is cleaner and more polished, allowing the intricate layers of sound to shine through and creating a sense of depth and richness that was perhaps lacking in their earlier releases.
Overall, “Fatalist” is a powerful and uncompromising statement from Deinonychus, showcasing their unique vision and uncompromising commitment to their art. The album is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, pushing the boundaries of the black metal genre and redefining what is possible within the realm of extreme music. With “Fatalist,” Deinonychus has solidified their place as one of the most innovative and daring bands in the metal scene today, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating what dark and twisted realms they will explore next.