Vile Ritual, the one-man project helmed by the enigmatic entity known only as “M,” unleashes a torrent of sonic savagery with their debut album, “Caverns of Occultic Hatred.” This offering isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a raw, claustrophobic descent into the abyss of old-school death metal, rife with dissonance, brutality, and a touch of the psychedelic.
A Love Letter to OSDM’s Glory Days:
“Caverns of Occultic Hatred” throws listeners headfirst into a maelstrom of influences. Fans of early Death, Demilich, and Immolation will find much to worship here. M pulls no punches, crafting grotesquely dissonant riffs that writhe and churn like tormented souls. The production is appropriately lo-fi, adding a layer of grime and authenticity that perfectly complements the music’s primitiveness.
Beyond Brutality: Glimmers of Psychedelic Depravity
While pure sonic assault is the album’s core, Vile Ritual throws in unexpected curveballs. Moments of swirling psychedelic guitars and unsettling atmospheric breaks provide fleeting glimpses of light amidst the all-encompassing darkness. These excursions into the bizarre add a layer of depth and intrigue, preventing the album from becoming a monotonous exercise in brutality.
M’s Monstrous Vocals: A guttural symphony of inhuman growls
M’s vocal delivery deserves special mention. His guttural growls are a monstrous symphony of inhuman agony, perfectly embodying the album’s themes of occult horror and existential dread. They seamlessly blend with the instrumentation, creating a suffocating atmosphere that feels like being trapped in a tomb with a particularly disgruntled demon.
A Cohesive Journey Through the Depths
Despite its raw and chaotic nature, “Caverns of Occultic Hatred” maintains a surprising level of cohesion. The eight tracks flow seamlessly into one another, creating a singular journey through aural purgatory. Each track adds another layer to the overall tapestry of sonic depravity, culminating in a finale that leaves the listener feeling suitably pummeled and existentially distraught.
A Debut that Demands Attention:
“Caverns of Occultic Hatred” is a remarkable debut album. M’s singular vision and dedication to pure sonic brutality have resulted in a record that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the classics of the old-school death metal genre. While the lo-fi production and unrelenting aggression might not be for everyone, for those seeking a truly harrowing and uncompromising death metal experience, Vile Ritual delivers in spades.
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended
Vile Ritual’s debut is a visceral, unsettling, and ultimately rewarding listen. Fans of classic death metal, rejoice! This is a modern offering that captures the genre’s primal essence without sacrificing originality. Just be prepared to descend into the darkness and confront the horrors that lurk within.
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