Out of the Mouth of Graves is one of thé standout names in the American underground extreme metal scene, embodying a uniquely suffocating and dissonant brand of Death Metal that has garnered significant attention since its formation in 2021.
Originating from South Carolina, the band has rapidly established itself as a force within the spheres of progressive/dissonant Death Metal and Avant-garde Metal, blending elements of cavernous brutality, atonality, and supernatural atmospheres that are both refined and harrowing. The trio’s creative vision is steeped in the horrific and cosmic mythos of HP Lovecraft and similar horror motifs, which colour both the sonic and lyrical direction of their works.
The band’s name itself evokes images of death, decay, and the preternatural, perfectly setting expectations for their atmospheric and sometimes overwhelming musical output. This thematic focus distinguishes them not only musically but also culturally, aligning with broader trends in extreme metal to explore literary influences and abstract fear.
Formed as a side project by the same core members of Psionic Madness, another well-regarded act in the dissonant Death Metal subgenre, Out of the Mouth of Graves represents both a continuation and a refinement of ideas first explored in their sister project. The collective expertise and ceaseless creativity of the three members have driven both their quick evolution and their reputation for prolific output across multiple musical acts.
The fulcrum of Out of the Mouth of Graves is a triumvirate of experienced extreme metal musicians, each with numerous side projects and a formidable reputation in the underground scene: Justin Vølus: all vocals & lyrics; Nicholas Turner: lead guitars, mixing, mastering, engineering and Jared Moran: drums, bass, main rhythm guitars. This highly collaborative lineup leverages extensive experience from acts such as Psionic Madness, Acausal Intrusion, Burial Curse, Feral Lord, Flesh Configuration, Maggot Crown, Morgue Walker, Vølus (as a band), and others.
In an interview, Justin Vølus emphasized that each project intentionally explores slightly different sonic worlds, with Out of the Mouth of Graves becoming progressively more distinct and atmospheric compared to the other endeavors, especially in terms of production and musical structure.
What ‘Shrines to Dagon’ album offers us is highly skilled, impeccable executed Dissonant Death Metal with chaotic, swirling riffs; unpredictable song structures; heavy use of atmosphere; bursts of raw, claustrophobic aggression and inhuman dual vocal styles ranging from shrieks to guttural bellowing. Musical themes are the aforementioned Lovecraftian horror, cosmic dread, atmospheric immersion, surreal and nightmarish visions.
Atmosphere and technicality have both been cited as qualities that the band has continuously refined. This album, for instance, sees them shifting further toward enveloping atmospheric elements, with each member performing their respective roles to perfection. There’s so much going on musically, and it is perfectly welded together showcasing enormous cohesion of the tracks. The production values, too, have advanced, allowing greater clarity while preserving the core ‘cavernous’ and ‘raw’ elements that originally won the band its following.
36 minutes long, divided into 11 tracks, ‘Shrines To Dagon’ immerses the listener into an unreal world filled with atrocities and horrors. Guitars follow a 360° trajectory (whether they’re panned or not), commanding beastly vocals vomit their blasphemies, and the octopus-like drumming changes gears from punishing blast beats to crushing doom passages.
I haven’t heard such intense musicianship since the second Leviathan album , you simply get thrown down and sucked into the soil. Breathing becomes optional while you undergo this album in awe.
Comparisons/influences include the likes of Grave Upheaval, Impetuous Ritual, the mighty Mitochondrion, Teitanblood and in some respects even an Antediluvian or a Deathspell Omega.
Those who know the qualities of these heavyweights – it can’t hurt to check out this second Out Of The Mouth Of Graves album. ‘Shrines to Dagon’ is still available on digital format and stamped CD, through the Vargheist Records label. Hurry up before some other schmuck beats you to it!
