We can all agree that Malevolent Creation are an institution in the extreme metal scene and the best way to celebrate the 13th full length aptly entitled “The 13th Beast” is to deliver a massive overdose of traditional death metal that requires instant headbanging to be fully enjoyed.
“End The Torture” opens the album with ominous vibes as guitars gradually build merciless rhythmic dynamics following pummeling drums to ensure a proper death metal sonic assault spiced up by the intense shredding offered by the guitar solos.
On “Mandatory Butchery” you can easily recognize the key brutal elements of classic death metal but also bold thrash accents as guitars deliver steady fierce riffs accompanied by cavernous growls yet the darkened melodic guitar work adds contemplative depth.
If you’re looking for sheer brutality “Agony For The Chosen” got you covered as relentless guitar riffs and savage drumming lead to a hellish sonic realm without any hesitation and only the fancy guitar soloing allows you to catch your breath.
“Born Of Pain” is another cohesive death metal anthem that relies on the borderline chaotic approach of the super fast rhythmic section but at some point the tempo gets slower to emphasize the grave tonalities of the guitars.
“Knife At Hand” continues to unleash furious rhythmic blasts favoring breakneck speed and a full blown aggressive approach surprisingly interrupted by occasional sorrowful atmospheric instrumental passages.
“Release The Soul” begins with a calmer yet immensely darkened approach and while guitars can still sound utterly ravenous they often put aside the violent speed to focus on anguished melodic phrases and obscure doom tinged tonalities.
Undoubtedly Malevolent Creation stay true to their infamous music formula and as expected “The 13th Beast” is characterized by a consistent classic death metal style revolving mainly around fast uncompromising guitar driven grooves.