Glorious Depravity – Ageless Violence (Translation Loss Records)

Sunday, 22nd November 2020
Rating: 8/10

What’s not to love about some good, old-fashioned American death metal? The type that stands as being brutal in tone, with a distinctive early ‘90s feeling to it, where the intention was to pummel the listener while still writing a coherent song (nothing over the top with tech). What’s even better? When a band manages to capture that essence without resorting to sounding like a clearly retro-inspired act. If that all sounds appealing, Then Glorious Depravity are going to really catch your ear.

With members from acts such as Pyrrhon, Woe, Mutilation Rites, and Cleanteeth, you know going in that there’s a level of pedigree with the experience available. So Ageless Violence benefits in that the members have a track record for this type of thing, and Glorious Depravity may revere the older days of death metal, but it isn’t content being a copycat. That early east coast vibe (certainly NY) is noticeable, but they don’t tether themselves to sounding like this came out in the early ‘90s. There’s a weight to the riffing, and it is intent on giving you a good beatdown. But at the same time, that doesn’t mean it is all blastbeats and absurd speed. A track like “Digital Reaper” is strong in that tempos change frequently. They can hit the speed button and nail that adrenaline thrill it provides, but there’s an attention to some memorable and intricate riffs and they pull back on the reins to allow for some mid-tempo stomping and light grooves to enhance the brutality. Doug Moore’s vocals don’t stick to the one-note either, with a firm handle on bellowing lows but also switching into some higher rasps/screams to add to the variety. Throw in a frenetic solo, and you’ve got yourself a fun trip down death metal memory lane that still feels fresh.

It’s all about keeping the songwriting interesting with Ageless Violence. They channel the classic death metal vibes and keep the tracks moving ahead at all times with moments that stand out with catchy hooks or grooves. A great all-around package for genre fans.

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