Review Summary: Murderous Riffelations
The diabolic dance of formulism and innovation is a perilous venture for every artist. One doesn't want to be too predictable, yet the daunting risk of an experiment gone wrong is nothing to scoff at either. Fortunately for this fierce Istanbul quintet, they strike a formidable balance atop the burning coals of old-school death metal. Steeped in glorious Floridian influence, "Murderous Revelations" is a delightful indulgence of brutal grooves, catchy hooks, dynamic songwriting and impressive musicianship.
Opening with blistering drum fills and tremolo riffs, "Into the Depths of Diseased Minds" sets the tone for this absolute warpath of a record. At the drop of a hat, Diabolizer flex their deadly sonic arsenal with plenty of pizazz to hook listeners of all dispositions. Yet for all the technical brutality on display, the work has room to breathe. Galloping grooves bridge the pulverization, high snarls compliment the traditional vocal growls, and the second guitar solo opens a portal to another world of ominous doom. One of the strongest cuts on the record, this track showcases Diabolizer's many talents and tactics without pause.
As the record progresses, the band never relents in their unapologetic approach to their craft. The production is polished just enough to discern their vision, while staying faithful to that dirty old-school sound. Although the performances are excellent across the board, the guitar work in particular is especially mindblowing. Taking a page from the late great Trey Azagthoth, the solos conjure wormholes to forbidden realms with a flurry of taps, bends, slides, and hammer-ons. Whether it's the chill-inducing second solo of "Into the Depths of Diseased Minds", the pummeling outro of "Deathmarch of the Murderous Tyrant", or the divebombed frenzy of "Seeds of the Dethroned", the juxtaposition between the soaring solos and pummeling riffs never fail to keep you mesmerized. The riffs are also outstanding and well-composed throughout. There is a blackened feel to compliment the traditional death metal approach, particularly in tracks such as "Purulent Divinity in Black Flame" and "Set the World Ablaze (Infernal Dawn)", which boast an inordinate commitment to tremolos and unsettling melodies.
While the guitar work is excellent, it's also important to note the contributions from the rest of the band. The vocals are splendidly executed in that raw, traditional death metal fashion which mold perfectly to the arrangements. The rhythm section is no slouch either, with addictive snare fills, tom rolls and blast-beats laying a foundation for the bass and guitar to drive the riffs forward. The bass playing leaves nothing on the table, especially in "March of the Murderous Tyrant" which roars and reels like a bulldozer, or a Diabolizer if you'll humor me. There's even a bass solo in "Bloodsteam Bonegrinder", coming as yet another illustrative foray. Upon repeated listens, you'll find yourself making new discoveries, which is an absolute testament to the depth of this record. On the surface, this may come across as yet another slab of technical death metal, but those who delve deeper will surely be rewarded.
In all, this record absolutely floors you with all the crushing heaviness and technicality you could ask for. It's very much an homage to that classic Floridian style of death metal, yet the performances are executed with such confidence and creativity there's little left to be desired. There's plenty to chew on for metal fans of new and old, and I would especially recommend this to fans of Hate Eternal and Morbid Angel. Do yourselves a favor and check this out! Thank you for reading and have a very metal day m/
