Review Summary: Berzerk caveman battle doom.
One of the most reliable bands in the sludge/doom metal sphere returned with the aptly titled, sixth full-length,
Violence Dimension. As sharp as ever, Conan continue their forays into their trademark blend of “caveman battle doom”. Bludgeoning riffs abound while the British trio focuses on faster tempos this time. Concise, pummeling tunes such as “Frozen Edges of the Wound”, “Desolation Hexx”, plus the grindcore leaning “Warpsword”, are ready to tear your speakers with fuzz-drenched chords alongside occasionally doubled, commandeering screams. In a different world, the former would make for an impressive single, offering the essential Conan package into a 3-minute rager. Meanwhile, scorching centerpiece, “Total Bicep” drops akin to an avalanche with its galloping rhythm, before resorting to a slow burning second half where a soaring guitar agonizes over another round of pounding riffs. There is a certain way how gloriously these punishing numbers kick in, almost uplifting in tone.
On the trudging side of the album, we find the title track unfolding like the aftermath of a deadly combat. The rather eulogic guitar lead at the beginning soon turns grittier, but maintains an emphasis on a gloomy atmosphere. The coda disrupts it with sudden chugs and murderous growls, courtesy of bassist David Ryley (Fudge Tunnel), who officially joined the band in 2023. Moreover, “Ocean of Boiling Skin”, the sludgiest cut on the LP, was appropriately kept as a closer. Switching between bulldozing riffage and muddy grooves, it summarizes best what
Violence Dimension is all about. Once more, the production fits like a glove with its dense sound, whereas the drums are very well rounded in the mix for extra boost. If you listened to Conan before, you already know what to expect and this record slays.
