ALBUM REVIEW: Exitivm – Pestilence

Death metal legends PESTILENCE have experienced so many changes in personnel throughout their 30 years plus career that you would need a photographic memory to even remember half of it. Despite this the key component has always remained, the multi-faceted Patrick Mameli. Their ninth instalment Exitivm is due for release on June 25th via Agonia Records and it is destined to be cemented as one of their highlights.

In Omnibvs commences with a swelling intensity that begins to build in orchestration and grandiosity. This leads the way for Morbvs Propagationem that comes surging out of the gates with the signature groove ridden hooks which PESTILENCE have become so synonymous with. It doesn’t take long before the familiar snarls of Mameli welcome you to the party.

As the track gains momentum the riff work becomes more frenzied but remains incredibly enticing. Deificvs introduces some haunting atmospherics into the mix bolstered by additional chugging aggression. The instrumentation is particularly relentless as it hammers away with immaculate accuracy. Sempiternvs continues the ominous, chilling vibes with further punishing riffing that chops and changes in tempo to add another devilishly addictive layer to proceedings.

Internicionem injects a thrash infused pacing with razor sharp shredding and devastating drum fills. Chaotic lead work runs rampant over the track alongside some piercing divebombs. Mortifervm has zero intention of letting the carnage subside as it continues to bludgeon you with expertly executed riffing. Dominatvi Svbmissa maintains the delectable grooves that mesh meticulously with the gruesome growls. The latter stages of this track provide some of the stand-out moments of the album. Pericvlvm Externvm acquires some of that instant adrenaline rush as it hits the ground running with ferocious intensity.

Inficiat hits that sweet spot with some instantly infectious riffing that demands that you get your head banging. Additional lead work adds that emphatic ending that this track deserves. Exitivm keeps the pace swift and unforgiving as it grabs you by the throat and shakes whatever life is left in your ear drums. Immortvos possesses the same malicious agenda. Flooring you with skin-searing riff work and punishing drum beats. Personatvs Mortem may be the final track and be deemed as an outro piece but the creepiness and unsettling nature leaves a chill running down your spine before it departs.

If you’ve been along for the ride since the beginning you kind of have a solid idea of what to expect from PESTILENCE but Exitivm displays a group of musicians at the top of their game. The sheer volume of top tier riffing that is on show is astounding. Whilst the tracks possess the same underlying blueprint the level of variety in execution keeps you gripped throughout as PESTILENCE continue to show why they are considered as part of the death metal elite.

Rating: 9/10

Exitivm is out now via Agonia Records

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