Having two different facets in their approach the band evolved in a more aggressive and brutal direction. As a whole the mini album showcases their impressive songwriting skills. The production elevates the ability of Obliterator (bass, guitar, and vocals) to staggering levels, not only because the songs are fierce, but also because of an arsenal of killer riffs. The mini album also features two guest drummers Alex Simpson and Matan Goldstein. The opening track ‘Awakening The Inner Alchemy I’ shows the primal nature of KHNVM to deliver plenty of frenetic paces, with the jarring experience of the pummeling riffs and clinical blast beats. The tremolos are layered offering memorable riffs. Musically, the songs are diverse and contain a fair amount of blasting percussion.

‘Visions of A Plague Ridden Sky’ moves into a groovy jarring experience that emphasizes plenty of fast tempos. The sonic impact of the chunky guitars and the double bass drums make the most out of this track. The guitar hooks and the drums act as an offensive force in creating a brutal and unsettling experience with sinister overtones that enhance the vicious growls. KHNVM imbibed the roots of classic death metal. Though it’s hard to pinpoint the exact influences, the latest outing somehow cements the sound of the band. The drumming is monstrous and just at the end of the track we get some cold, icy, acoustic guitar sections adding a mesmerizing atmosphere.

‘Visions of A Plague Ridden Sky’ brings in the expertise of Obliterator, mainly within the riffing structure. Another aspect of songwriting is the instrumental interlude track ‘Hourglass of Decadence I’ which has an overt Middle Eastern and oriental vibe. After that, the pounding drums in the following track ‘From The Depths of Duat’ is one of the highlights of the album, beginning with insane blast beats. The infectious energy of the loud boisterous riffs and the drumming gets extremely fast, imbuing a dark sinister atmosphere.

The groovy tone of the guitars in ‘Grand Evisceration’ contains some fucking cool riffing work by Obliterator, it begins with chugging guitars and brutal double bass. The mini album proves that KHNVM is becoming well-experienced in crafting brutal death metal riffs without relying solely upon blast beats. While the mid-tempo is soaked in bloody, guttural grunts, the rhythm changes are on constant play driven by the drum patterns and they perfectly contrast with the tremolo pickings and chugging.

‘Hourglass Decadence II’  is another instrumental track played in a similar manner as it segues into the final track ‘Awakening The Inner Alchemy II’ which has a sort of epic intro with a memorable bass guitar. Although the track starts a bit slow, you can hear the instruments perfectly layered in the background, allowing the melodies to shine through different tempos. Along with the technical skills Obliterator also packs the old school and the technical guitars into a very dramatic style.

Links