ALBUM REVIEW: Echoes Of A Fallen Land – Mental Cruelty
The stock of deathcore bruisers MENTAL CRUELTY has continued to rise considerably with each passing release. Whilst they may be stepping away from their initial slam-infused sound, they’ve found success delving into blackened territories. Their latest effort Echoes Of A Fallen Land, released on October 23rd via Century Media Records looks to expand on their vision.
Weltennacht sets a bleak, melancholic tone. A howling wolf and orchestral accompaniments lead the way before the pace begins to pick up. Fenrir lets rip with some crushing blastbeats and swift riffing segments. Caustic screams join the fold, creating an aggressive wall of sound. Impressive drumming intricacies enhance the chaotic nature. Blood For Blood initially adds some folk-adjacent elements amongst the formidable intensity. The tempo quickly returns to its feverish stride. The underlying melodies that supplement the destructive arsenal of riffs are particularly enticing. The Serpent Of Midgard descends into madness, attacking with violent force. Combinations of guttural ferocity and raspy screams from frontman Lukas Nicolai command the charge.
Helheim sustains the blistering momentum, cleverly switching direction to keep you on your toes. Slick lead work makes its presence felt as the energised instrumentation swarms the vicinity. Draugar is equally as unforgiving. Surging waves of punishing drum work send a seismic shock down your ear canals as monstrous grooves bolster the onslaught. Raise The Raven Banner utilises aboriginal stylings which segue into a round of hefty hooks. As this epic unfolds it becomes a bit of a highlight reel but the passionately vicious vocal lines snatch the spotlight.
Cry Of Batariel channels its inner CHILDREN OF BODOM with some alluring keyboard sequences to compliment the rapid riffing. An additional lead run leaves its emphatic stamp. Frost uses clever layering to create an ecompassing soundscape as a stomping heaviness takes a firm grasp. Dämmerbruch provides a brief yet intriguing piano interlude amongst the sound of crackling embers offering a pocket of breathing space before the ferocious Ride Of The Valkyries bares its sharp teeth. Euphoric symphonies collide with devastating vigour to conjure up a majestic closing piece.
Echoes Of A Fallen Land is a powerhouse of an album. Whilst the tracks that inhabit it stay in their recently refined wheelhouse, each piece packs a serious punch and stands confidently of their own volition. MENTAL CRUELTY firmly carved their position amongst the blackened deathcore elite with 2023’s Zwielicht but this release further reinforces that intent. Showcasing precisely why they are not to be underestimated, with arguably their strongest outing to date.
Rating: 9/10
Echoes Of A Fallen Land is out now via Century Media Records.
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