When a band like Declared Dead hits their 12th album, you might expect them to slow down, maybe soften up a bit, but Necrodeist proves the exact opposite. This album is a relentless, intricate dive into the heart of extreme metal, full of twists and turns that demand your full attention from start to finish.
From the moment Necrodeist kicks off, you’re thrown into a maelstrom of sound. The guitars are the driving force here - pounding out riffs that are equal parts thrash and blackened death metal. They carve through the mix with an intensity that feels almost physical, hitting you with wave after wave of raw power. The drumming doesn’t let up either; it’s like a battering ram, precise and punishing, anchoring the whole chaotic storm with a relentless pulse.
The bass doesn’t just blend in with the background; it’s alive, moving and shifting in ways that add an unexpected depth to the music. It’s like a hidden layer that pulls you in deeper with each listen, especially when the songs take a turn for the more progressive. The bass lines snake their way through the dense guitar riffs, adding a sense of tension and unpredictability that keeps you on your toes.
There’s also an atmospheric undercurrent that runs through the album, thanks to some cleverly placed keyboard work. It’s subtle - never overpowering - but it gives the music an eerie, almost cinematic quality that adds to the overall mood. These moments are like brief glimpses into another world, one that’s dark, brooding, and just a little bit unsettling.
The album manages to be both aggressive and atmospheric, chaotic and structured, making it a fascinating listen from start to finish.
The production here is clean, but not so polished that it loses the raw edge that makes this kind of music work. Every instrument has its place, with nothing getting lost in the mix, yet there’s still a sense of raw power that keeps the music grounded.
Necrodeist is a powerful statement from Declared Dead, showing that after eleven albums, they’ve still got plenty of fire left. It’s a complex, intense, and thoroughly engaging album that earns its 4 out of 5. If you’re looking for an album that challenges you, that takes you on a dark, twisted ride and leaves you wanting more, Necrodeist is definitely worth your time.
Thanks to Grand Sounds PR
Listen to the album here: DECLARED DEAD - Necrodeist | Sliptrick Records (bandcamp.com)