Depravity - Grand Malevolence

There's really something to be said for straight suffocation worship. The bands that lean into tend to be gloriously brutal, embracing disgusting slam riffs and leaving listeners feeling like their skull was just caved in. At least that's the impression I get from the masterful Grand Malevolence by Depravity due out December 4th on the always excellent Transcending Obscurity. This band is a potent and destructive force. Their allegiance to the old masters of death metal is clear and it makes for some truly thrilling listening. 

I think what gets me about this record is how nicely its structured. Yes there are a lot of moments that are just there for the sake of being heavy but they are nicely counterbalanced and timed in a way that makes for compelling listening. Perhaps the best example of this is the track 'Trophies Of Inhumanity' which places an emphasis both on the bands stellar execution of technical and terrifying riffs but also surprisingly tasteful atmospherics. The use of timbre here is impressive and it shows us that Depravity are much more than just Australian meatheads. They are Australian meatheads who know about arpeggios!

The super tight and devastating assault of Depravity is sure to capture the imagination and routinely speaks to just how good this band is. The playing is creative and the ideas devastating. The general approach never ceases to remind me just how talented Depravity are and how well they can execute at the highest levels. This is slamming death metal as it was meant to be, aggressive, evil and over the fucking top. Delve into the magic today and experience the pure bitter rage of a band devoted to grinding bones to dust. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/Depravitydestroy

Pre-order the album!

https://depravitydeath.bandcamp.com/