Demiricous is a rather new band that came together in 2001 with vocalist/ bassist Nate Olp, guitarist Scott Wilson, and drummer Chris Cruz. They were later joined by ex-Upheavel guitarist Ben Parrish. The band’s sound is best described as the offspring of classic 80’s thrash (Slayer, Sepultura, Megadeth etc.) and current day speed metal. The band made themselves known by opening for the likes of The Black Dahlia Murder, Exodus, and King Diamond among others, and even made a self-released EP titled
Demo Anno 2004 in 2005. The disc caught the ear of Metal Blade Records, and thus, in 2006, Demiricous released their first full length album,
One (Hellbound).
Demiricous prove themselves right in the start what they are capable of with the first track
Repentagram. Beginning with vicious guitar riffs taken right out of Slayer’s unholy bible (which this whole album is fueled with), followed by Lamb Of God style roaring. The song sets the standards for the album, and that is that it doesn’t change much, flowing in a common thrash - roar - more thrash - more roars - breakdown/ guitar solo - more roaring. Although not at all a bad song, it is very predictable. Next is
Withdrawal Divine, which has more steadier riffage then the last track, and also contains a lot more heavy drum work and blast beats. The song still follows the same pattern, but at least manages to have bite (including a better solo). It is apparent by the end of this song though, that Demiricous should consider being a Slayer tribute band.
Vagrant Idol, probably Demiricous’ most popular tune, comes next with equal fury and speed as the previous two songs. In the song, Nate Olp tries to pull off what sounds like a young Chris Barnes, before another solo takes over. Although the song manages to stand out more then most of the songs on the album, it isn’t much different.
Beyond Obscene follows with a quick to ascend intro that blasts into yet another Slayer worshipping riff. The song has a lot more chugging the the other tracks, and makes a good headbanger song, but that's about it.
Perfection And The Infection is another chug fest, but actually has a bass breakdown, and gives Nate Olp room to gives some grunts. The song stands out more then the others for the fact that the guitars give the other instruments room to breathe.
The next song,
Heathen (Out For Blood), is probably my favorite. The song starts with Nate Olp roaring “Sink that f*cker DOWN!” and the guitars burst into another head banging riff. The song is more guitar orientated then it is vocals, which do start to get annoying after this point.
Cheat The Leader brings in a bit different thrash approach then Slayer for once, with riffs that remind me a bit of Exodus meets Children Of Bodom’s Needled 24/7 (only without keyboards). The song is one of the more original ones as far as the thrash guitar sounds. The song also has very different breakdown, with a more melodic sound to the guitar instead of the ‘chugga chugga shift’.
Matador is another song with guitars much like the first track on the album. The difference is the presence of ‘war cries’ that reminds me of Children Of Bodom. The song, other then that special attachment to the shouted word “Matador!”, the song contains nothing new from Demiricous.
To Serve Is To Destroy is another hard hitting track that is basically raising the middle finger to Lamb Of God in speed and heaviness in the guitars alone. More ‘war cries’ come in as the band screams “To serve!” during what I guess is suppose to be the chorus of the song. The song also contains the most catchiest breakdown on the album, and a smooth guitar solo near the end.
Ironsides begins with a wicked drum intro before bursting into a riff much like the second track on the album. Aside from a great screeching guitar solo in the midst of the song, there is nothing special about the track.
I Am Weapon is another great track on the album, also with ‘war cries’ that seem to have a knack for screaming curse words throughout the song. Although the guitars do not bring anything new, the funny and crappy lyrics and vocals make the song good enough to give a listen.
Hellraisers is the last track on the album, bringing an end to the aura of Slayer praising riffs and constant insanity. The song has some of the most heaviest blast beats on the album, but does not impress in originality. The constant screaming of “Hellraiser!” does have a some good effect on the ears in the midst of the repetitive riffs.
Pros
-- Good production.
-- Great guitar playing (Slayer would be proud).
-- Great for any thrash metal fans.
Cons
-- Very repetitive.
-- Horrible lyrics (competes with Children Of Bodom in foul language too).
-- Vocals get a bit annoying after awhile.
-- May bore the crap out of any non pure thrash fans.
Track Listing
1. Repentagram (3/5)
2. Withdrawal Divine (3.5/5)
3. Vagrant Idol (4/5)
4. Beyond Obscene (3/5)
5. Perfection And The Infection (3.5/5)
6. Heathen Up (Out For Blood) (4.5/5)
7. Cheat The Leader (3.5/5)
8. Matador (3.5/5)
9. To Serve Is To Destroy (3.5/5)
10. Ironsides (2/5)
11. I Am Weapon (3/5)
12. Hellraisers (2.5/5)
