It's a real shame that the world of death metal is so overcrowded with a zillion bands that an act like Germany's Magna Mortalis probably doesn't stand a chance to get noticed. Onward is their latest platter for Firefield Records, and though it's not going to win any awards for originality, it's a find example of what brutal death metal is all about.
Magna Mortalis are clearly influenced by classic bands of the genre, such as Morbid Angel, Grave, Dismember, and Death, but there's a real sense of groove within these dozen death metal thumpers that is great to hear. Cuts like " Radiative Benediction" and "Flaming Rain" pummel the listener with brutal and sometimes technical passages, but there's a slight hint of melody, and tons of groove, which helps deliver a full frontal assault that's not just pure brutality. Deep, crushing riffs and poweful growls permeate the massive sounding "Antithesis of Creation", and the complex riffs and wild rhythms of "Holmes Sweet Home" show that the band surely cut their teeth on some classic thrash while honing their craft.
If you are looking for some solid modern death metal that pays tribute to the greats of the genre, you can't go wrong with Onward. From the cover art to the grooves within, this one's a keeper from a band to look out for in the months and years to come.
Track Listing
1. Intro
2. Of Man's Defeat
3. Radiative Benediction
4. Flaming Rain
5. Antithesis of Creation
6. Crypts of Knowledge
7. See Me No More
8. False Crusade
9. Holmes Sweet Home
10. The Impact
11. Onward
12. Alive but Dead
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