Review Summary: Bringin back the fun deathcore
Impending Doom has been a staple name in the deathcore scene, especially among Christian circles. “Murderer” and “Death Will Reign” solidified their sound and established themselves as a known group within deathcore.
Baptized in Filth and
Death Will Reign were great records favored among fans of the genre with plenty of groovy riffs, breakdowns, and intense vocals. With their newest output, Impending Doom bring back their ferocious screams, crushing breakdowns, and pummeling energy on
Hellbent.
Throughout the EP, Brook Reeves is at the top of his game, sounding raw and unhinged with his distinct lows and deep tonality. From the manic screams in the bridge of “Satanic Panic” to the gutterals and tunnel-throat harshes of “Culture of Death,” Reeves leaves the listener without room to breathe as his vocals attack the soundscape through and through. Musically, not much has changed.
Hellbent still has the classic Impending Doom chugging breakdowns, groovy riffs that catch the listeners attention, and intense drum chops that drive each song along. Along with the established deathcore style of their past efforts, tracks like “Hellbent” and “I Must End” have a greater emphasis on melodic guitar leads heavily distorted with reverb and dissonance, providing an eerie sense of muddied melody overlaying the choruses and verses of these tracks. This dissonant leadwork brings an evil-sounding vibe to
Hellbent, leaving the whole project feeling twisted and tormented.
While Impending Doom’s newest effort isn’t anything particularly genre-defining, it is the band doing what they do best. Although
Hellbent lacks super memorable/iconic tracks like “Murderer,” it makes up for it by providing a fun and groovy experience each playthrough, crafting bouncy riffs and aggressive breakdowns. While this won’t be a top EP of the year, it is a deathcore effort worth returning to for a fun, mindless jam when feeling in that heavy kind of mood.
