Although their style has some resemblance to the early albums of the Greek atmospheric death metal outfit Septicflesh, their long-established sound has developed over the years and fans are finally getting a taste of their first studio album which includes the drummer of Necrowretch (Bress) and a new guitarist Ronan Kermarec. The opening track “The Kings of Edom” launches a massive scale of heavy death metal riffs, though the song has less atmospheric sections exuding otherworldly synth passages and the reintegration of the layered solos which is displayed as a unique element. The following track “Ruler of this World” brings ample lead guitars, rhythm, and ambient synth passages mixed with fast-paced drums.

The guitar work adds an eerie feel to the music and not to mention the horrific effects of the lead guitars and rhythm that enhance the uncanny atmosphere. The songs range from mid-tempo to slow ambient moments, and although the guitars are raw and haunting, at times the pacing of the crushing drums simultaneously gives the third track “Servants of the Old Ones” an interesting twist in sound and direction. Heavy plodding guitars strike a firm balance between the blast beats, and most of the tempos are fast and contain epic atmospheric climaxes. However, the use of the synth adds plenty of spine-chilling themes creating a supernatural Lovecraftian experience.

With the dramatic lead guitars being steeped in the dark themes of the atmospheric death metal spectrum, Catacomb‘s coherence and songwriting shine through the intense sonic displays of the instruments. The synth and the guitars create an uncanny backdrop providing the perfect effects for both atmosphere and the straightforward blasting drums. Catacomb managed to deliver something otherworldly, the echoing of the blazing guitars and the subtle orchestral arrangements in the following track “Waiting For the Stars” is truly wonderful. Catacomb’s songwriting style hasn’t strayed from the early demos instead the songs on the album are noteworthy for their subtle ambiance and lead guitar hooks. This approach to death metal is very similar to SepticFlesh‘s first EP “Temple of the Lost Race” therefore, the songs are obscured and offer plenty of atmospheric sections.

Mostly in the up-tempo the guitars and the synth flow over intense blast beats and given this unique flair for the composition Catacomb has remarkably crafted its own sound. While each track features different guitar settings there are plenty of bombast moments on tracks like “The Great Dreamer”. The drums find a great balance between the pounding riffs and the hooky infectious rhythm, as a matter of fact, none of the tracks follow certain formulas instead each song is laden with a haunting aura of eerie transitions. The synth sounds cold as ice and rather prowls through the sharp layered guitars which provide lucid solos piercing the sonic Lovecraftian themes that are emphasized beautifully.

“Black Goat” is one of the faster songs to offer plenty of blast beats and throaty growls, the amount of heavy colossal riffs, and the brief synth section provide memorable songwriting. “In Your Blasphemous Name” is a highlight track for the album, the synth, and the double bass drums paint a haunting image of gigantic demonic creatures emerging from the depths of the oceans. Swirling riffs and effective rhythm perfectly convey a sense of menace to the guttural growls, the epic leads, and the whirring guitar solos adding textures to the supreme epic aspect of the music.

The tremendous speed of the blasting drums resonates with the barbarically growling until the dredging guitars achieve a level of the virtuous counterpoint. “Blind Idiot God” extends to faster sections with the crushing drums destroying everything in its path as well as the episodic effects of the synth, the sound of the bass guitar emanating thunderous waves. The remaining minutes of this track unravel the epic structures of the song and give you a diverse mixture of mid-paced riffing and haunting synth passages.

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