ALBUM REVIEW: Into The Depths of Veracity – Dawn of Demise
Being at the top of a genre requires a level of consistency most are unable to keep up with. Alongside this, if said genre is anything like death metal, then there is a distinct need to remind everyone just how fucking horrible you can be. Combining this need for quality alongside brutish playground dominance is exactly what DAWN OF DEMISE have been able to conjure for the past 15 years of their career, and are now just about to place the cherry on top of the bloody, mulchy cake of their time making music.
This is what Into The Depths Of Veracity is for DAWN OF DEMISE. A pummelling reaffirmation that the band deserve to be at the forefront of the much beloved genre. With a title track that opens the record, and isn’t afraid to add in some almost catchy chorus lines, the band offer a glimpse back into time when DECAPITATED ruled the kingdom. There is a real similarity to records like Nihility, and it gives this new record a real sense of familiarity right from the off. Of course the guitars jump from thick, meaty chugging back to dainty and rapid licks that spider their way around the neck of the guitar, creating rapid transitions that help make the record as smooth as it is. The swift and effective shifts from riff to solo and back again prove the layering DAWN OF DEMISE add into their sound, simply further cementing their undeniable musical ability to write such bludgeoning noise.
There is, of course, fantastic rhythms thanks to the great mix and excellent performance from both drummer Bastion Thursgaad and bassist Bjorn Jensen. Perversion In The Flesh and This Hate Will Consume both boast fist pounding energy, with the latter starting off sounding like a HATEBREED track. All of this comes together to create an earth shattering sound that finishes as heavy as it starts. There isn’t a dull moment on any track, and as such on the album, but it does lend a hand in creating an intense listening experience.
The scary thing is that DAWN OF DEMISE often doesn’t hold up to the over the top, ridiculous levels of heavy that have become normal within the extreme genre. Even if things continue to get out of hand, there will always be a market for traditional death metal played at a world class quality. Into The Depths Of Veracity is just this, as it blasts through its run time with such intimidating proficiency that it’s difficult not to get caught up in the macho atmosphere of it all. When the bass drop hits at the mid point of The Permanent Cessation, you cannot deny the sheer brute force that DAWN OF DEMISE are wielding, and the warped vocals of Scott Jensen provide the nasty sheen needed to complete the package.
When you look back at the level of obliteration DAWN OF DEMISE have attempted in the past, Into The Depths Of Veracity shows itself to maintain a level of restraint in amongst it’s batterings. Whilst this does detract from the raw heaviness of the sound, the band are better off for it, as their merciless approach has now been paired with a precision that the band previously missed. For anyone who wants a modern taste of the early 00’s death metal sound played at an incredible proficiency, DAWN OF DEMISE have the perfect antidote.
Rating: 8/10
Into The Depths of Veracity is out now via Unique Leader Records.
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