It’s not every day that I get to review a death metal release here on these virtual pages. That does not mean that I don’t like this particular genre, but I am very picky when it comes to it. I grew up with the old school bands from Tampa, then I discovered the Swedish sound and basically that was it for me.
I do not listen to modern death metal these days, as I don’t find it too interesting compared to other genres. But when I hear something which reminds me of my good old days, my interest is sparked instantly. This was the case with Rigorist, a new band freshly dug out from the Hungarian soil which spreads its rotten message through their latest demo tape released on the 29th of December via Gurgling Gore.
Rigorist‘s 3 members, who come from different Hungarian death/black metal bands (Mephitic Grave, Mistcavern, Gutted etc), have decided to unite their forces and release a demo which sounds like it has been recorded more than 30 years ago. The music is simple, brutal and extremely convincing, with all the ingredients a good death metal release should display. Possessed growlings, a certain amount of “groove” in the drums and massive, chunky guitar riffs.
The drums change rhythm often, shifting from angry, pummeling blast beats to a slower and balanced tempo. These breakdowns provide an extra heaviness to the songs and those double bass parts make them even more enjoyable. Production wise the material is top notch, I really like the way each instrument sounds, very “live” and organic.
The vocals are exactly what an old school death metal release should sound like. Horrifying at first, with their cavernous tone, they become very enjoyable the more you get used to them. Sándor‘s vocal performance is just perfect and goes hand in hand with the instruments, adding more decay to the whole picture.
The demo is short, just a bit over 11 minutes, but to the point and I truly think this material is a gate opener for the band’s first full length which I hope will come out soon. It’s recommended for all those who grew up with the infamous Morrisound bands from the early 90s and I find it quite refreshing that a band has decided to play this kind of death metal 30+ years later. Just listen to the first seconds of the last track, “Cathedral of Flesh“…it reeks of Morbid Angel from the “Altars” era, isn’t that delicious?
Rigorist – Demo 2023 Track List:
1. Lobotomy
2. Disciplined Suicide
3. Cathedral of Flesh
Band Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551003523899
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