ALBUM REVIEW: Through A Warren Of Shadows – Azath

AZATH are a band born from the mind of DRAGHKAR front man Brandon Corsair. The idea was to create a new death metal project with a traditional feel, with the first full-length instalment of Through a Warren of Shadow which explores the high fantasy series of books Malazan: Book Of The Fallen. The album was recorded in several different sessions with Andrew Lee(RIPPED TO SHREDS), Derek Orthener, and Charlie Koryn. However, it is worth noting that at this point Corsair has surrounded himself with a permanent line up including recording partner Orthener on guitars and Pierce Williams sitting behind the kit.The first proper song on Through a Warren of Shadow, Draconian Impalement begins with one goal in mind and that is to cause complete sonic devastation. The drumming is a focal point throughout the entirety of this album and it is clear to see why; the beats used not only utilise death metal stylings but also grindcore and other extreme elements. The guitars from Andrew Lee and Brandon Corsair are ferocious, yet rhythmically precise to add to the overwhelming sense of brutality in the song and provide the perfect canvas for vocalist Derek Orthener to add his deep guttural growls to.

Everything about this release has a hint of 90s death metal nostalgia attached to it, whether it is the echoes effect that is used on the vocals, the MORBID ANGEL-esque guitar tone that is used and raw feel of the production. The third track Mortal Coil highlights this sentiment perfectly as it opens with the kind of screaming, bridge snapping guitar solo that SLAYER utilised so well in their heyday before leading into another’s unbridled assault on the senses. There are no bells and whistles here, with AZATH opting for a direct and deliberate approach to their songwriting which couldn’t be more effective. This is exactly what modern death metal needs at this point; an unrelenting display of power and savagery.

In the second half of Through a Warren of Shadow, AZATH don’t let up. Worm of Autumn is whirlwind of blast beats and frantic riffing all tied together with a rumbling bass line that props everything else up perfectly. The only issue with this track is the way that the vocals are somewhat lost in the mix – an issue that occurs all too frequently throughout the album. The drums are one of the selling points of the release, but they are so high in volume that at times they drown out everything else that’s going on.

This album is nothing short of a full metal onslaught which continues right the way through with the almost grindcore track The Whirlwind, built on drumming which sounds like a rogue jackhammer and contains one of the best tremolo riffs on the entire release, while the growls from Orthener are barked in a deep tone that even sounds similar to NAPALM DEATH’s Barney Greenway himself. This brief, concentrated track proves to be one of the highlights of the release, accomplishing as much as a lot of the longer songs in a fraction of the time.

The penultimate song on the album, Shifting Forms, feels like AZATH are really flexing their muscles and proving just how savage and unforgiving they can make their sound. The drums are pulverising, the guitars are lightening fast, shredding away over the top of the barbarism and the vocals sound akin to grindcore acts such as INSECT WARFARE and TERRORIZER as the band navigate their way through this almost six minute opus.

With Through a Warren of Shadow, AZATH have laid down the foundations for their sound. A scathing soundscape that offers very little in the way of breathing space or melody, instead creating a cesspit of technical drumming and flesh tearing riffs for death metal fans to wallow in. Where the album stumbles is in the sometimes muddy, unbalanced production and the lack of originality. If you are looking for meat and potatoes death metal done well, then have at it. But if you are looking for something a little more forward thinking and out of the box then this debut may leave you wanting for a little more.

Rating: 7/10

Through a Warren of Shadow is set for release April 17th via Pulverised Records.

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