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HUMAN DECAY
Figli Di Dio EP

Self-released (2014)
Rating: 7/10

Figli Di Dio translates as something akin to ‘Son Of God’, and it’s the title of the 2014 EP by Italian death metallers Human Decay. The quartet have been around since 2007, and this three-track EP is their first outing. The band consists of vocalist Francesco Belloni who also plays guitar, as does Jean Edifizi. The pair are joined by bassist Michele Giromini and drummer Mattia Mornelli.

Figli Di Dio reminds me of older Sepultura in its approach, combining measured dynamics with the pacey yet not belligerent riffing and Francesco Belloni’s aggressive yet intelligible vocal rasps.

Human Decay play old school death metal and open their EP with ‘Sperma Benedetto’, a beast of a tune featuring rampant drums and meaty guitars which jar the senses. There are some nice melodic touches throughout the track as it alters pace and texture, threaded nicely by the bass-lines and solo tweaks. The Sepultura influence is clear as the band keeps a consistent pace, but there are also hints of groove-based metal circa the mid-90s, and even, dare I say it, a sprig of Pantera. Human Decay are not just mimics, however. ‘Sperma Benedetto’ is a great example of a band displaying technical maturity, because the longer the track progresses the more interesting it gets, and showcases the talents of both guitarists to the point of moving away from death metal completely before reverting back to type.

‘Vampiri’ is up next with a killer weighty riff, the sort of grind you’d have been frothing at if it were 1990. Again the band incorporates some earthy melody amid the waves of Belloni’s lethal vocal sneer, and once more they treat us to some fine soloing which breaks up the deluge.

The EP is rounded off by the ominous chugs of ‘Meschini Traditori’, a substantial plodder featuring some nifty bass work and sturdy drumming, and it wraps up a short but sweet little record that shows a band with potential. It seems a little difficult to judge a band after hearing just three tracks, but there’s enough variety on here to suggest that a full-length opus should really enable the band to flourish. While ‘Meschini Traditori’ is a more direct track, its brutality is still accessible. Of the three numbers, it’s also that which displays the more ominous guise.

If Human Decay can maintain their unpredictable edge, then their next piece of work should be one worth looking out for.

Neil Arnold

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