There’s been a long history for this act – originally starting in the mid-90s as Cursed Celebration, before changing names in 1998 to release two albums and then dissolve in 2012. So, after seventeen years since that previous full-length Transmutation, Brazilian death metal brutes Ophilolatry have officially released their newest, third album Serpent’s Verdict through WormHoleDeath Records. Loathe as I am to use clichés, this one’s worth the wait.
The foursome of Jaime Veron (lead vocals), Diego Santiago (bass), George “Dog” Duarte (drums) and Fred Barros (guitars) hits so hard it hurts. I have to say that Barros’ guitar work is damn near that of a gymnast going for the gold, and it very much succeeds admirably. When it comes to death metal songs and structure, these guys could teach a class. We got brutality for days, with a hearty dose of melody and punch. Case in point is “Serpent’s Spit” followed by “Apophis”. It should come as a shock to nobody that these were and are my two favorites.
Opener “Jesus Complex” hits with all the subtlety of an anvil going upside your damn head. The same goes for “Revenge”, yet another favorite from the guys. Oh, and let’s discuss “Media Bible”, shall we? I mean, clutch the pearls, this one goes hard! You’ve got “Manipulations Guilt”, “Heaven Jails”, and “Human Factory” looking to tear you apart in a nice triumvirate of vicious tunes, but done so with love. Well, the love of metal asskickery. Make sense? Nah, didn’t think so.
Listen, the bottom line is this. Ophiolatry and the new disc Serpent’s Verdict are a brutal combo of strength and power, one that it would behoove you to acquire with a quickness. Go and do likewise…
Standout Tracks: “Jesus Complex”, “Serpent’s Spit”, “Apophis”, “Revenge”.