If death metal can be effortless and smooth, then Reborn from Hatred (Eclipse Records) by Gory Blister wonderfully showcases how this is accomplished.
Hailing from Italy, Gory Blister is known for their technical mastery which is what makes how they sound so effortlessly fluid and smooth. Despite the blistering pace of their guitars, bass, and drums, there’s a remarkable sense of serenity and composure that permeates their compositions.
With Raff Sangiorgio on guitar, bass, and synths, Gianluca D’Andria on drums, and John St John on vocals, the synthesis of ease, calmness, and speed is brilliantly evident in the track “Relentless Fear.”
But it’s not just the music that exudes that sense of ease, even within John’s harsh vocals, there exists a hauntingly beautiful melody and harmony. While metal vocals are not typically associated with ‘beauty,’ it emphasises the sheer talent of his vocal delivery and how he manages it with remarkable proficiency.
However, make no mistake, this album is far from a utopian daydream. “Profound Sedation” embodies sheer brutality and speed at its zenith. My notes for the track read: fast, furious, and face-melting. The drumming assaults the senses, and if one could attribute a scent to a song, “Profound Sedation” would evoke the image of a city in flames and collapsing to the ground.
Reborn from Hatred was produce Raff Sangiorgio and Gianluca D’andria, mixed by Ricardo Borges (Sepultura, Kreator, Carcass), and mastered by Peter Brussee (Steve Vai, Yingwie Malmsteen, Michael Bolton) and whether you are a metal fan or not, there is no denying the complexity of the music. Music aficionados will revel in the intricate and ever shifting time signatures, the heart pounding bass and drums, and the breakneck velocity of the guitars.
There’s an explosion of sound within “Unexpected Livings” and “Greedy Existence” and title track “Reborn from Hatred” is destined to be a circle pit favourite. All cater to a metal-loving heart, providing an exhilarating auditory experience.
Reborn from Hatred by Gory Blister is a death metal masterpiece that seamlessly balances intensity with grace, even at breakneck speeds. With its intricate compositions, elaborate time signatures, and thunderous rhythm section, this album is an essential addition to any metal aficionado’s collection.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Relentless Fear”, “Profound Sedation”, “Greedy Existence”, “Reborn from Hatred”, “Signs from Beyond”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “Relentless Fear”, “Unexpected Livings”, “Greedy Existence”
