After an untitled demo from 2021, the Australian Death Metal combo Hormagaunt now returns with a full-length album. ‘In The Flesh’ got its release at the very tail end of 2022 through Bitter Loss Records (CD) and Frozen Scream Imprint (cassette tape), graced in a horrid piece of artwork that bears some resemblance with Morgoth’s old 12” EP.
Musically, however, Hormagaunt delivers something not quite Morgoth-like. Instead they do offer a bit of that dark and murky cavernous-like Death Metal, nicely blended in with some doomy sections. Though I am not quite fond of that so-called cavernous Death Metal, or caverncore if you will, but while the majority of these bands tend to get bogged down in a shapeless blubber, Hormagaunt drags you through those same sort of chasms and caves, but have a strong technical aspect to boost from. With their technicality and musical ingenuity they do bring a sense of freshness to the music, the pace is constantly shifting and they fill each song to the brim with all sorts of different riffs, making ‘In The Flesh’ quite a challenging listen. Due to its non-straight forwarded approach to the Death Metal genre a few spins are definitely required to let everything sink in properly. But once it does, ‘In The Flesh’ turns out to be quite an interesting ride, offering much to those who are looking for some provocative and inspirational Death Metal. If you were intrigued by the albums of bands like Faceless Burial or Chaotian, then you should consider giving Hormagaunt a shot as well. And, if you are in need of an extra reference: this band surely wouldn’t be out of place on the current Dark Descent Records and Me Saco Un Ojo roster.
