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PANTHEON
Empire In Ruin

Necrotic (2023)
Rating: 7/10

Putting Little Rock, Arkansas on the map is black / death / thrash foursome Pantheon – one of many bands to adopt such a moniker. This is the second full-length outing from the clan and it is a record that, in my opinion, succeeds on guitar tone alone. That’s not to say that the other ingredients on offer don’t do the job, but there is just something engaging about that tone.

For its duration of 42 minutes, Empire In Ruin is a savage and scathing example of black / death / thrash. The Slayer-esque chugging of ‘Man-Infestation’ also toys with a traditional melodic metal traipse, while opener ‘Head On A Stick’ is one of the more aggressive outbursts on the record.

Other favourites on offer here are the pounding ‘Slit The Throat’ which begins with a colossal chug before drifting towards a death / grind attack, ‘Eviscerate Desecrate Cremate’ which rattles like a late-90s death metal juggernaut but with clever, thrashing melody entwined, and ‘Blood The Bible Bleeds’ which is strong in percussion and again features a catchy melodious streak.

Empire In Ruin is a strangely compelling opus even with its contemporary flashes. The aggression and mixing of styles enables this album to remain aggressive while showcasing high levels of melody, so in a sense there is something for everyone.

Neil Arnold

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