Hailing from Norway and in existence since 2022, Horrifier presents to us their 2nd full-length album, and there is much to look into at the onset. First off, just by looking at the band photos, you will immediately notice how young the members look. What were they like 15 when they recorded their debut ‘Horrid Resurrection’!? I jest, of course, but I will say I’m impressed with their output and where they have taken their particular influences and brought them forth from the grave to bring life to their own form of squalid Death Metal.
Immediately upon pressing play, you will be hit with a modern-sounding Pestilence via their ‘Consvming Impvlse’ era. Also with touches of the mandatory Autopsy and also Incubus/ Opprobrium. Everything is very dynamic and the music is very well played, almost borderline tech in a sense. I say that in its very basic meaning. The songs contain much variety and some interesting time changes that you grab onto. The production is clean and bright. I say “modern” as well because, upon reading some promo material and such, they are stated as being primitive and putrid with no modern gloss. It’s here that I beg to differ with much of that description.
This is not caveman Death Metal, by any means. The band members are displaying their chops, and there is much more happening here than your oppressive, dark, and weighty Death Metal. Having said that, I am not saying the material contained on this release is bad by any stretch of the word. Quite the contrary. The band has truly stepped up its game since the debut (which I enjoyed, by the way). The debut was a bit more basic and primal; here we have a better production, with a bit more clarity in its presentation, and also the songwriting has become a bit more involving.
So, having given you a basis in what to expect sonically, the album starts ordinary enough, perhaps a bit too run of the mill, maybe. It is only then that the album progresses from the initial tracks, and you will notice more that holds your attention. The songs tend wrap themselves around your brain that much more. It just seems they reach out and grab you from the speakers with more intent. A plus in my book is the more prominent bass tone, especially on the latter part of the album, you will get to hear more of the instrument that, more often than not, is hidden in the production. Vocalist/guitarist Adrian Risøy gives a standout performance and gives a performance that lends weight to some of the tracks. ‘Body Hoarder’ gives a perfect example of his prowess, as well as one of the speedier numbers. The album’s final 3 closers, ‘Morbid Lust’ (which has that cool Slayer-ish solo!), ‘The Final Oblation’ and ‘Blood for Ascension’ are the real attention getters here. They cement in your mind just what Horrifier is capable of and leave us at a stage where we can hope for more material from the band on future albums.
Now, don’t let my own description of their particular sound dissuade you. It can be said that they do walk a fine line between each of the sub-genres of Death Metal, and I’m sure there is something here to appease everyone. All Metal heads should take a look.
