One of the pioneers in the French metal scene returns for their latest studio record – arriving on the scene in 1985 as the first notable death metal act. Loudblast will unleash their new record Altering Fates and Destinies, their ninth studio record – and lemme tell ya, it’s a doozy! Damn near forty years invested in this output and these guys are still chopping you down.
“Crystal Skin” sounds like a bulldozer bent on flattening your house, while “Miserable Failure” is a sonic piñata coming through your living room window. “He Who Slumbers” wraps up this triumvirate of viciousness in a tidy black bow. “Son of Nameless Mist” has this cool yet sinister vibe, and it’s my favorite tune. Stéphane Buriez on guitars/vocals sounds deliciously evil here and I love that! Opener “From Beyond II (The Return)” and “Putrid Age of Decay” showcase how to get us all going, and our blood steaming.
“Dark Allegiance” has a very evil vibe going on, which I loved, while “Fortress” is different, yet similar. It fits within the framework, yet it’s different from the other songs in terms of its haunting, atmospheric vibe that still contains the requisite heaviness you expect from these musicians. Again, this is a good thing. Variety is the spice of life, after all. Closing the disc is “They’ll Never Catch The Glint of Sunlight Again” which shows us how much of a sledgehammer bang this band is capable of bringing on your damn skull!
Forty years in, Loudblast are showing no signs of slowing down through Altering Fates and Destinies. And for that I am extremely thankful!! All who love the diverse and heaviness this band brings will be well advised to seek out this record.
Standout Tracks: “Dark Allegiance”, “Fortress”, “Son of Nameless Mist”, “Miserable Failure”.