RSS Feed


CRUCIFIER
Say Your Prayers EP

Iron Bonehead Productions (2022)
Rating: 8.5/10

It’s hard to believe that a band which first formed in 1990 wouldn’t release its debut full-length album until 13 years later, but that’s exactly what happened with cult Pennsylvanian black / death metal act Crucifier.

Vocalist / drummer Cazz Grant remains the sole original member of Crucifier, a formidable quartet which four years ago issued its second full-length opus, Thy Sulfur Throne On High.

Now we have a new EP boasting five tracks, culminating in a cover rendition of Carnivore’s ‘Jesus Hitler’. Opening composition ‘My Soul To Take’ comes complete with creepy intro before launching into a blitzkrieg of speed, which then in turn triggers a cavernous vocal approach from the depths of the chest cavity. Immediately the leads of Spencer Murphy crazily pave their way through the blazing wall of evil. Crucifier remains a fearsome, formidable and at times unorthodox expression bathed in primitive aura.

‘Foul Deeds Will Rise’ is as equally mind-shattering in its vitriolic battering, especially in the blackened ramming of Grant’s drums and Chris Kerns’ leering bass lines.

Everything about this EP exists as a sonic blast of satanic tumult that pillages the senses. Deep, gouging, grisly death metal laced with a spiteful blackened poison is the order of the day here as Crucifier rages with fury, injected sporadically by those grim leads that work in tandem with Rob Spisak’s dense rhythm.

‘Chime Of The Goat’s Head Bell’ echoes eerily, brimming with archaic resonance. The EP belches up consistent tones of terror with rich in doomy, dank oozing that clashes with ferocious chimes of pace.

It’s difficult not to tremble in fear at such a slightly unhinged and uncontrollably bestial workout that exists to remind us of the phantasmal prowess of this longstanding cult act.

Neil Arnold

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share