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NECRODEATH
The 7 Deadly Sins

Scarlet (2014)
Rating: 7.5/10

Very much veterans of the extreme metal genre, Italy’s Necrodeath introduced themselves to me by way of their second studio album Fragments Of Insanity which was released a world away back in 1989. Since then these guys have been extremely consistent with their releases, churning out an album literally every two years after their reformation in the late 90s.

The 7 Deadly Sins is the 11th studio album from Necrodeath, and as expected, it’s another strong effort, boasting nine storming tracks which exude the sort of technical menace one has come to expect from such gifted warhorses.

Since 1998 the band has been fronted by Flegias, also known for his drum work with Opera IX and Cadaveria. While I do still prefer the original sneers of Ingo, Flegias is without doubt the main man when it comes to steering this unearthly ship through those murky waters. Flegias is accompanied by relatively new members Pier Gonella (who joined in 2007) who plays guitar and GL (who was taken on in 2008) who handles bass. It’s great, however, that original member Peso (drums) remains – making sure the Necrodeath sound continues its vein of evil from the first murmurs which blessed the 1987 Into The Macabre debut.

This time round and following on from 2011’s Idiosyncrasy, Necrodeath adopt similar patterns but remain fresh, allowing their energy to flow into the instruments, giving the album an almost effortless yet precise feel. Yes, Necrodeath have moved on from their early days but hey, which band who has lasted this long doesn’t?

The 7 Deadly Sins does have a crisp sound, one which could be deemed as overtly modern as the band dabble with a technology that wasn’t present back in the 80s. By having no real restrictions when it comes to production values and experimentation though, this new opus is allowed to breath and marry together groovier segments of darkness with the already present sneers of deathly black metal and thrashier elements.

Kreator and Slayer often spring to mind throughout this impressive opus, which begins with the excellent ‘Sloth’ and then doesn’t let up for its duration. With rarely room for a whisper, the band charges through the likes of ‘Lust’, ‘Envy’, ‘Greed’ et al as if they are caged carnivores eager for a taste of your flesh.

Flegias’ vocal sneer has that much needed arrogance about it, and it’s a snarl rarely prone to melody as he seethes and spits through this ever-changing climate like a cursing crone. The slower, moodier edges of the record again echo Slayer yet with a despicable injection – my only issue being that forever present clicky drum sound which seems to hamper so many bands who’ve succumbed to modern dynamics, but there’s no arguing with the spiky speed of ‘Wrath’ or the grim scowl of ‘Gluttony’.

As blackened thrash metal goes you can’t go wrong with Necrodeath, who over the decades have evolved into a cock-sure metallic beast – one which is accessible to those only recently introduced to such flavour, and yet still they act as a timely reminder to the thrashing rage they caused back in their toddler years. At times exquisitely crafted, The 7 Deadly Sins is the sonic engagement I had hoped for and one which combines ample devilish melody with satanically-fuelled speed.

Neil Arnold

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