San Diego based extreme metal band Cave Bastard has put a lot of effort in the creation of the debut full length “The Bleak Shall Devour The Earth” which promises to deliver unrestrained devastation and bleak soundscapes.
“Throes of the Devourer” serves as introduction to the the album’s dark sonic realm with painfully heavy doom tinged guitar chords surrounded by grim atmospheres and distant echoes of despair.
“Neo Genesis” celebrates the band’s ultimate ferocious approach as in the middle of a rationalized chaos guitar riffs march triumphantly through perilously fast and precise rhythmic variations that will later lead to modern dissonant guitar progressions and funereal momentum.
With an intriguing and absolutely grim beginning “Trapped In A World Of Formlessness” is a hymn to asphyxiating desolation with a strong epic and diverse rhythmic structure focused on intricate layers of mournful melodies and crunchy riffage.
Similarly there is torment & despair at the center of “Purity Through Oblivion” where the guitar work continues to hold a dominant role crafting entertaining rhythmic segments and depressing melodic moments.
“Liar Betrayed” can be utterly brutal as the rhythmic section often gains speed and chaotic vibes through punishing drumming and chunky bass lines nevertheless there are also more introspective passages where lead guitars focus on anguished melodies and sludge atmospheres.
Overall “The Bleak Shall Devour The Earth” stays true to its tormented title and fully expresses the extremely dark sonic vision of Cave Bastard.