ALBUM REVIEW: Imperium – Necrotted

German deathcore bruisers NECROTTED have more than earned their stripes throughout their extensive career, touring with some of the hottest names on the extreme metal circuit such as DYING FETUS, CYTOTOXIN and OSIAH to name but a few. September 22nd signals the arrival of their fifth full-length effort entitled Imperium which is due to be released via their Reaper Entertainment label. What do they have in store for us this time around?

It doesn’t take long for A Veiled Awakening to gain traction, unleashing hefty grooves and rampant blast beats. Throw in some additional guttural ferocity and this release is off to a commanding start. Reich Der Gier follows suit with a blazing tempo and an abundance of intensity. Volatile waves of vicious riffing leave their emphatic stamp. Sow Sorrow For Victory continues to bludgeon your senses with its unrelenting rhythmic pummelling. The melodic flourish of lead work that bursts out of the arrangement provides an unexpected treat.

Artificial Truth is as rapid as it is hazardous. A crushing yet addictive aggression copiously flows throughout with slams aplenty. Ignorance Is Fear charges out of the gate like an unstoppable force of nature, mowing down everything in its path. The variety of vocal expulsions that are impeccably executed are a joy to experience and really amplify the carnage. Round X: Freedom V Security somehow manages to cram more brutality into the mix as a gruesome combination of barbaric instrumentation wreaks havoc. The sweeping leads possess a haunting charm as they frolic through the blast radius.

Imperator lets the razor sharp riffing fly, twisting and turning in numerous directions to keep you guessing. This track is packed to the brim with exhilarating hooks and insane drumming reeled off at breakneck speed for maximum damage. Order Beyond All Bounds focuses more on the down and dirty grooves, threatening to snap your neck at a moment’s notice. Intriguing atmospherics swarm around the soundscape. My Reign Come, My Will Be Done gears up for the grand finale in confident fashion, ducking and weaving between alluring melodies and face melting ferocity to inject a rush of adrenaline into proceedings.

Imperium is a fearsome offering, continually shifting in style as it progresses to leave you pondering what may be around the bend. NECROTTED excel far beyond the realms of the run-of-the-mill slam-infused deathcore band, carving their own enthralling niche within the genre and making a monstrous statement in the process. This isn’t their first rodeo but it may just be their most impressive instalment to date.

Rating: 9/10

Imperium is set for release on September 22nd via Reaper Entertainment.

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