Fifteen years after its formation, German Death Metal trio Archaic Thorn resurfaces with ‘Malicious Spears’, its second full-length effort. Following the release of ‘Eradication’ in 2020, the band returns in October 2025 with a new offering unleashed through High Roller Records.
Through its seven tracks, ‘Malicious Spears’ develops a distinct Death Metal identity, driven by constant intensity and a raw sonic approach. The album belongs to a harsh and uncompromising repertoire, yet its songwriting explores occult and war-inspired themes that allow subtle melodic touches to surface without ever softening the brutal soundscape.
Some tracks reveal a slightly more technical dimension, such as ‘Angel of Havaz’, where the trio demonstrates its strength without pushing the complexity to the point where the album would lose its impact. The solos also play an important role within these compositions, and in my opinion the most captivating one appears on ‘A Blessed Ground Remains’, standing out with its sharp and memorable execution.
Vocally, the performance leans toward a Thrash/Death approach heavily influenced by the old school: rough, direct and aggressive, perfectly supported by unleashed guitars and raw songwriting. The drums, almost omnipresent throughout the soundscape, create an overwhelming dynamic that never falters, with a special mention for the performance toward the end of ‘Conquering Spirits’.
Archaic Thorn also does not hesitate to flirt with elements borrowed from Black Metal, particularly noticeable on ‘Angel of Havaz’, reinforcing the dark and malevolent aura surrounding the album. Across its seven tracks, ‘Malicious Spears’ delivers an intense and brutal Death Metal assault, marked by an occult atmosphere, rigorous execution and well-integrated melodic and technical passages.
