ALBUM REVIEW: Dominion – Video Nasties

The term “Video Nastie” emerged in the 80s when the moral panic of horror movies hit its fever pitch. It was a way for censor-happy busybodies to dub a movie as violent and dangerous to society. The terror of VIDEO NASTIES were thought to be over but out of Merseyside’s murky waters and foggy streets comes a force which can install the same feeling of panic and danger as the twisted movies that inspired it. This is VIDEO NASTIES‘ debut album Dominion, it’s 40 minutes of raging, horror worshipping metal, and it’s as exciting as it is vicious.

After the introductory movie sample, synths and daunting church bells ring out as a huge 80s death metal riff throws you into a vortex of catchy and addictive guitar leads which don’t release you from their grasp until the finish. The strings are by far the most fun part of the album, especially when they hit that Straight outta Gothhenburg melodeath sweet spot. Dominion’s guitars alone will pique the interest of many death metal fans, but everything surrounding the riffs will have them coming back again and again.

Rick Owen (bass) and Dave Archer (drums) deliver a pummelling rhythm section groovier than Ash Williams getting robot hand. Over this, Damian Von Talbot delivers Jeff Walker-esque screams and Barney Greenway-like barks, but more often finding his own original middle ground between the two polarising styles. He spews gore-y but captivating lyrics that don’t just try to shock but also to build monsters, characters and stories (see the serial killer’s monologue that is Viva Death). 

So often is horror written into metal in a forced, almost gratuitous way, you can picture bands saying “oh we need something to go over this riff, let’s just use a random spooky sample”. VIDEO NASTIES spit in the face of that, every sample adds to the story and atmosphere the song creates. Not since MORTICIAN or the late-great NECROPHAGIA has the art of horror been translated into death metal this gracefully. It’s obvious from Dominion‘s elegant execution of terror with a knowing grin that these guys aren’t trying to be a gimmicky or ‘spooky’ band but write what they know, and what they know is slashers and death metal. 

It’s not shocking that Dominion is a brilliantly executed debut, all members have tenure in UK underground bands like THE BENDAL INTERLUDE and IRON WITCH. But the chemistry and character that instantly pours out of the speakers is damn impressive. VIDEO NASTIES have slotted into their groove with a cold killer-like calculation, delivering a cut of Rated R death metal. Listener discretion is most certainly advised, Dominion will corrupt you.

Rating: 9/10

Dominion is set for release on March 13th via APF Records.

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