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| Cover art by Antichrist Kramer. |
Raw death metal duo Vasaeleth have unleashed a river of blood with their second album, All Uproarious Darkness. Though only 19 minutes and five tracks, the record is a full-length release and follow-up to 2010's Crypt Born & Tethered to Ruin. From the thick heat of the Southern U.S., Vasaeleth have managed to channel a sound with a deep sepulchral chill — the guitar tone is unforgiving and icy enough to raise hackles and shudders. It's not only the tone that's cold as a dungeon's iron bars, but the mood and concept as well. The record reeks of ill-will and hostility, evoking a sick, snarling atmosphere that stalks and slithers around the listener. The soundscape is swirling and dense, the relentless drums, thick, slime-crusted guitars and bass knitting together into a smothering sonic morass. The brevity of the record is a mercy; All Uproarious Darkness leaves the listener not only chilled and unsettled, but gasping for breath.