Türkiye has always had/has a quite varied and dynamic metal scene. From its Thrash Metal contingent and Dark Metal bands. (Raven Woods perhaps?!) Also, its Black Metal rosters such as Ebonsight, Witchtrap and Zifir in particular have given those of us that are tapped into the scene/region to stand up and take notice, (hell!, it was an early stop for Mayhem in its hallowed early days after Leipzig!) and we also cannot deny their exceptional output from its Death Metal brethren as well, that continues and adds to its illustrious history of a region that definitely deserves your attention.
I will say most of you have to give props to Engulfed, Burial Invocation and Abolish to name a few but we cannot deny some of those others perhaps a bit out of the limelight but no less important and or punishing for their output and contributions to the scene. If mid-era Incantation, Funebrarum and perhaps Mortician are bands that sit in your happy place, I beg you to take the time and give a moment to Grotesque Ceremonium.
It was formed in 2014 and composed of various members of other notable acts of the region. If you know anything about the Turkish death metal scene it can be quite incestuous (no disrespect intended), but I say this perhaps because of the region being quite contained and culturally this type of music is generally not welcomed by the government (SarinVomit anyone?).
So, despite this the band has created 3 full lengths that harken to the sound of the aforementioned bands along with Autopsy at times. Obviously, we all know nothing is out to change the world, but something can be said when music is created with conviction and maintains a standard through the years. There is not much to complain about with the OSDM approach and some kick-ass artwork amongst all their releases and an only negative I can make mention is the production is a tad flat and lacks some bottom end. I think a more prominent bass in the mix would be imposing sonically and would offer greater depth to the overall songwriting.
So, I know we all often wonder or contemplate who is going to pick up the torch, or to perhaps carry on for those masters of olde and now granted I’m not saying who 100% certainty GC are one such band but still, you must admire the tenacity and the sheer auditory bludgeoning you are experiencing when listening to the material from the band.
Take the time and give yourself the opportunity to delve into the band and the rich musical history of the area.
