I Am the Portal, I Am the Stargate
Everything Is Cosmic.
As I promised myself some months ago
during „Interdimensional Extinction” space journey, the review of
the debut „Starspawn” is now taking a shape. What's interesting I
guess, I have already bought their second album which awaits its
first listen, however I just do not want to be infected in any form
by a new release while reviewing it. The debut, released on August,
18th, 2016, has been bought by me one year or so after the
date and it wasn't an easy task. The Denver madmen became quite
popular in the underground, giving the spectacular shows here in
Poland. Unfortunately I wasn't able to join them in their cosmic
presentation in Poznań with Cruciamentum, on March, 2017. Eventually
I saw them during 2018 edition of Brutal Assault. Yes, I saw them and
got crushed despite small sound problems with guitar leads. Anyway,
someone's opinion on the band is one thing to make you spending
money, in my case, the most important was the interview with Paul
Riedl in „7 Gates” magazine (41st issue), which is one
of the most exciting stuff I have ever read to date...
Blood Gets Vitrificated.
…and according to
Paul's words, the only purpose for Blood Incantation's existence was
creating sick death metal with bizarre and twisted riffs completed by
dark metaphysical and spiritual lyrics where one may find the alien
hybrids, zen quantum theory, transcendalism, nihilism, mysticism and
esotericism. And you know what? Paul didn't lie. The band opens the
star gate with „Vitrification of Blood (Part 1) track, a real
deadly beast lasting almost fourteen minutes! And during those
countless listens it became something more than 'just the opening
song'. Without any needless introduction, quite slowly like a road
roller to finish the song like a supernova consuming everything on
its way. So, what can be
found there? From phenomenal guitars layers (both riffs and leads) to
merciless onslaught of rhythm section, from massive slow almost
doomish parts with overwhelming atmospheric vibe that no one can miss
to furious ones ripping the air, from broken complex moments to more
simple methods of execution. Yes, this song is a cosmic feast. This
song is a complete death song. And I tell you, I couldn't pave the
sound realization over. This time, unlike their previous Ep, it got
only analogue life and it sounds simply superb, vivid, organic,
carnal. But what about the rest? Only four tracks and somebody may
complain it's not too much. In terms of numbers probably it would be
right, yet it's enough to praise the title for good as the
„Starspawn” hasn't been filled by any accidental sound or moment.
And as the influences are on the table, I met in different reviews
such bands like Morbid Angel, Gorguts, Timeghoul, Demilich. For me,
if some touches of Finnish „Nespithe” are perceptible in riff
construction from time to time, I should add Mexican The Chasm in
this place when the general atmosphere is concerned. But if the
Corchado crew explore more down-to-earth dimensions, Blood
Incantation takes me into something unknown far beyond any
understanding... into something more ominous...
God Equals Space.
This space driven
madness is short yet truly intense and completely sense exhausting
journey. As compared to the previous title, the progress is
absolutely dominant. Even if it is released in 2016, I wouldn't be
surprised to find it somewhere in the eighties / the nineties and
with first single spin it became just a classic death record. But
wait, is there anything that doesn't fit? Well, not really, however I
still can't warm to Don Dixon's cover art. Ep's artwork was
spectacular, „Starspawn” picture, beside great logo is preserved,
is one of many unfortunately. But it is easy to swallow, as the music
counts. So, trying to sum the thing up: these 35 minutes are
definitely spawning of another star in death genre firmament. Metal,
Skills, Vision. I listen to it only when I have free time to do that.
The whole. No piecemeal. By all me. Devotedly. Just paying tribute to
the Space itself.
...no death as
known, only doorways...
97/100
-Tlacaxipehualiztli
(written in 2020)
