This is some bestiality I can get behind. As Deathwomb Catechesis pours molten rock down your gullet, you'll heartily agree with me that this is thus far the best bestial black metal release of 2012. It's a riff-heavy spiral unto knuckle-dragging brutality that only a Russian band could accomplish. Jokes about Abominable Putridity aside, this album is intelligently composed with tracks featuring distinctly evolutionary song structures. Nothing bothers me more than hearing bestial bands just plod away on the same two-note riff. On their debut Pseudogod amps up the technicality a little bit and turns janky time signatures into Satanic headbanging fun.
Oh and did I mention the album art is fucking awesome?
Deathwomb Catechesis gets more potent as it progresses. "Malignant Spears" is a rampaging devil of a track, but it's small time compared to the colossal demonic monstrosities that are conjured by apocalyptic "The Triangular Phosphorescence" and "Necromancy of Iron Darkness." The third track, "Saturnalia (The Night of the Return)" is pretty good too. These tracks all feature slower, more dense riffing which makes them memorable and fun. This is everything bestial black metal should be, although black metal purists might cringe at the mention of "fun" and black metal in the same sentence.
The first thing I noticed coming to Deathwomb Catechesis from the previous compilation and splits was the vastly improved production. The grit and rage are still contained perfectly in the mix while each of the instruments remain audible. The whole thing feels natural, and don't let the "enhanced" production fool you - this album is every bit as dark as Pseudogod's other material. Perhaps moreso now that the atmospheric element of the album is multiplied tenfold thanks to more coherent songwriting. The cult-like feel of bestial black metal remains intact throughout all of Pseudogod's debut, and it's as dark and as harsh as ever thanks to a well-rounded mix.
Clearly this is still bestial black metal. It doesn't deviate from the norm, but it does a great job of making the norm entertaining again.
8.5 out of 10
Tracklisting:
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