Today I wanted to showcase an underrated band from Pennsylvania, USA. Mythic, an all female, murderous brutal Death Doom group.
Noteworthy Tracks
Since this EP only offers three tracks, although all of them are immaculate, I’ve chosen to praise these two.
“Winter Solstice”
The title track of our journey begins with a mix of Baphomet and Autopsy, gloomy chords, a bass that sounds like a powerline and the ride, ringing out like a bell. The song then picks up the pace with brutal slow blast beats and disgusting vocals. Highlight of this song is the breakdown at 2:15.
”Intro + Spawn of Absu”
The old classic church bells start this song, followed by strings, brass etc, a masterclass in horror-inspired intro. This intro definitely earns its place among the best takes ever on this sort of intro. Alongside the intro, “Spawn of Absu” features some gnarly and groovy skank-beat sections and a bassbreak. However, between these highlights the song isn’t very interesting. This track unfortunately does get monotonous, yet it showcases some great potential for what could’ve been an absolute classic band within Death Metal.
Overall
This EP doesn’t pioneer the Death Doom genre at all, however Mythic deserves recognition for being possibly the first female band within the genre. It features inspirations from a broad spectrum of metal and is therefore definitely liked by almost anyone. You will not be dissapointed by giving it your time, afterall it is just under 14 minutes long.
7/10 – A great showcase of Death Doom that never really reached its full potential.
The cover for this record has always fascinated me, till one day when my friend enlightened me of its origin. A vile upside down picture of a deceased woman with a bullet hole through her head. Alongside the alternative cover, a collage of corpses this album chocks you before you’ve even had a chance to let the needle roll over the tracks. Britain again delivers a shock-value album, with some of the most disgusting lyrics and imagery.
Noteworthy Tracks
“Reek of Putrefaction” Introduces the listener to an abhorrent nightmare with horror-movie inspired strings, heavy guitars and guttural vocals as of a rotting corpse.
“Exhume to Consume”
The unofficial title track of this record and undisputed monarch. Memorable lyrics and a great showcase of the dual vocal work that have colored many great Death Metal bands to come.
”Ruptured in Purulence”
A dynamic mix of a heavy and groovy drum intro and ferocious blast beats. The sounds of fermenting bowels from Reek of Putrefaction makes a comeback here.
Overall
Symphonies of Sickness invented the modern death-grind and was a forefather alongside Severed Survival to the gore infested lyrics themes and imagery that has ever since embossed Death Metal. A record of biblical value that has influenced not only, but heavily the sound of the Swedish Death Metal 90’s, bands such as Carnage, General Surgery, Uncanny and Gorement.
10/10 – A must have in any record hunters collection. Ironically I don’t have it.
Writing my previous review of Cryptopsy reminded me of Stockholm’s youth and the band Cryptorium. I first heard them back when their demo dropped and saw little promise—color me surprised. They’ve proved all us wrong with one of 2024’s strongest death metal records.
This album is a chainsaw-fueled homage to Swedish death metal—raw, ugly, and completely unfiltered. At just over 30 minutes, it never overstays its welcome, blending HM-2 soaked riffing, furious blasts, and vocals that sound dragged from a tomb. However, the mix does vary between songs quite noticeably,—including the poor snare sound, which unfortunately doesn’t give the same effect as in the case of certain grindcore albums.
One of the record’s strongest points is its variety. While rooted in old-school grit, it never repeats itself. Some songs hit like a freight train; others sink into doom-soaked atmosphere. There’s enough dynamic across tracks to keep things engaging start to finish.
Noteworthy Tracks
“Void of Life” erupts with raw fury, then surprises with a moody, drawn-out midsection that drips with despair. A song heavily inspired by Nirvana 2002 - a witness to their devotion to the old school sound.
“Mournful Dawn” dials things down with a doomier pace. It’s somber, cold, and lets the band breathe—offering a break from the chaos without killing the mood. An obvious nod to bands like Gorement.
The title track “Descent Into Lunacy” closes the album in apocalyptic fashion. It opens with ominous bells, then plunges into the most chaotic and ritualistic section of the record. It’s a long, punishing end—and it rules.
Overall
Descent Into Lunacy isn’t trying to be pretty or precise. It’s nasty, driven, and shockingly well-structured under the filth. Even the snare—despised by some—is part of the experience.
Final Verdict
A vicious debut that’s both ugly and smart. “Void of Life” and “Descent Into Lunacy” prove Cryptorium isn’t just noise—they’re a real threat.
8/10 – A grimy, chaotic descent that hits harder than expected.
Cryptopsy’s 1996 album None So Vile is a death metal landmark—chaotic, brutal, and technically mind-blowing. At just 32 minutes, it wastes no time, delivering a relentless barrage of riffs, blast beats, and guttural intensity few bands have matched.
This is the definitive release from their classic lineup: Lord Worm (vocals), Flo Mounier (drums), Jon Levasseur (guitar), and Eric Langlois (bass). The raw yet clear production adds a claustrophobic feel while highlighting their skill.
From the start, it’s a whirlwind of hyper-shredded riffs, blasting drums, and throat-ripping growls. Yet beneath the madness lies structure—carefully composed and layered. Jarring transitions never feel aimless. The more you listen, the more it reveals.
Noteworthy Tracks
“Slit Your Guts” opens with a piercing, off-kilter lead and launches into one of the genre’s most iconic drum/guitar combos. Flo’s drumming is surgical yet feral, and Lord Worm switches between shrieks and deep gutturals with manic energy. It’s a complex, unrelenting track that never dulls.
“Phobophile” brings eerie beauty to the chaos. It starts with a classical piano intro—bold for death metal—then drops into a groove-heavy riff that’s both menacing and memorable. The slower pace builds dread and atmosphere, showing their range. It’s influenced bands like @disguisedmalignance —proof of its lasting impact.
Overall
None So Vile isn’t just fast—it’s precise and disciplined. The band avoids sterility, thanks to Lord Worm’s unorthodox delivery and fearless writing. It feels genuinely dangerous—a rare trait in death metal.
Still, it’s not flawless. Some songs blend together on first listen, and parts without vocals can get monotonous. It’s not casual listening—it demands immersion.
Final Verdict
A milestone in extreme metal: furious, inventive, and technically dazzling. For those who thrive on chaos, it’s a brutal masterpiece. “Slit Your Guts” and “Phobophile” prove that even death metal’s harshest edges can hold real artistry.
8/10 – A surgical strike of death metal that still sounds unmatched nearly 30 years later.
The first time I listened to this record I was skeptical, It didn’t stand out at all to me, just another “Old School” Death Metal band among the millions already, likely colored by my elitist prejudices.
However, when I gave it a second chance I finally understood the charm and genius of this record—It has grown to become my favourite debut album of the modern era.
An album recorded, produced and composed by only two members sounds unlikely, but it’s true. Aatos and Felix are musical masterminds nothing short of virtuosos like Chuck Schuldiner and Jon Levasseur. Seeing them live with a full line up was nothing short of a religious experience—These guys are for real, tight as fuck and able to perform their monterous music live.
Noteworthy Tracks
“Confined” opens with one the most face-melting intro of the record, soul-raping drums and a menacing riff. The song continues through as an agressive beastial machine up till 2:43 where Felix treats us to majestic and tasteful cymbal fills leading this track an epic outro.
“Disengagement Into Eternity”
By far the best and most developed track of this album, heavily inspired by Cosmic Sea (Death).
An aggressive and atmospheric magnum opus with the highlight being the solo at 3:58. This track showcases Disguised Malignance’s brilliance—Making them not only a subpar interpretation of Human era Death but a full-blown alternative.
Overall
This album on paper isn’t anything avant-garde, no real walls are being torn down to explore what has never been done before, but let’s face it—such is almost impossible today. Disguised Malignance accurately recreates the 90’s Death Metal sound with influences all the way from North America to Swedish and Finnish bands, and not a single second is boring.
Final Verdict
A perfect yet overlooked debut that deserves more recognition, your time and attention to fully appreciate this masterfully crafted piece of music.
9/10 – The only reason it isn’t a 10/10 is because I know their next record will go even harder.