Vomitor — Pestilent Death
Akin to hopping into a time machine, Vomitor's Pestilent Death brings the listener back the the early days of death metal. Scratchy and rough (in a good way), this album captures the raw essence of the burgeoning death scene as it tore away from thrash. Often times feeling very reminiscent of the first two Morbid Angel albums, Vomitor's latest feels every bit the part of a late 80's/early 90's release. Delightfully treble-y guitars bring the listener to the altar of old school worship before gruff, death metal growls begin the service in honor of the old lords. Buzzsaws and riffs abound along with Azagthoth-esque guitar swells, and the propulsive drumming completes the summoning of the ancient ones. Bookending the album, "Tremolation" and "Hells Butcher" offer up engaging slices of mid-paced death. "Roar of War" continues the medium charge before opening up into the meat of the album. The four songs in the middle, "Abracadabra," "Manic Oppression," "Tremendous Insane," and "Pestilent Death," all up the ante and speed and goad the listener into the pit. With unabashed aplomb, this trio shows off its roots and influences, and helps younger generations learn about where their favorite death acts have come from.
While death metal has evolved and taken on many new sounds and ideas, the tried and true formula still remains very powerful and addictive. Vomitor is proof that the old school is as valid as ever, and this three piece rocks with all the fury of those who have come before them. While 2018 Australia is as far as one can get from 1989 Tampa, these three make the listener thrash and groove like the good old days.