Chestcrush is already back.
After a demo in 2020 followed by an album in 2021, the band led by Evangelos Vasilakos (guitar/bass, Caustic Phlegm) calls on Topias Jokipii (vocals, Saattoväki) and Robin Stone (drums, Norse, Ashen Horde, ex-The Amenta) for the release of Apechtheia, its new EP.
From the first seconds of Misery. Decline. Death. the band makes us understand that their mix of Black, Death, Sludge and Crust is still as unhealthy and powerful, letting dissonance crush us. The oppressive rhythmic becomes equally catchy, letting jerky and energetic riffs adopt a raw blast which perfectly fits with massive screams or slower hits to create a suffocating atmosphere. The rhythmic alternation guides us to The Despiser, a haunting but very powerful track which combines unleashed and continuous riffs with devastating vocal parts, but also with dissonant patterns and a dark groove. In spite of the few rhythm changes, the sound remains very constant and suffocating, even on the final track with Noise influences, then Repression, the last track, puts us in front of a disturbing and oppressive silence which gradually welcomes some dark and minimalistic ambient sounds. We’ll find some not very reassuring noises throughout the track, which will eventually fade into nothingness.
With Chestcrush, forget conventional tracks. No matter if it is with a crushing slowness or a wild speed, Apechtheia will know exactly how to oppress you and plunge you into darkness.
80/100