Phenocryst unveils its debut album.
Since their debut EP in 2021, the band’s line-up has evolved. D.S. (guitar/vocals) and V.M. (bass) are now joined by Artur (drums, Enlighten, Prayers of Sanity) and Jorge Santos (guitar, live for Blasphemous Fire), with whom they created Cremation Pyre, released on Blood Harvest.
Pinnacle Of Death is an immediate reminder of the band’s grimy Old School influences, blending thick riffs with furious vocal parts thanks to motivating drums, as well as a few more melodious leads. Darker and more melancholic tones offer us a respite before Astonishing Devastation lets its rhythmics run riot with that sullen, furious touch that never ceases to ignite, while allowing itself some moments of floating until Pyres Of The Altar takes over, granting a relatively soaring solo. The riffs remain heavy and anchored in an agonizing slowness, then Incandescent Debris takes over to deliver a relatively calm instrumental while remaining rooted in the combo’s Doom influences, which are also present on the majestic Embers Of An Ancient Fire where the howling resumes. The moderate pace coupled with incessant drumming turns this composition into a veritable chaos, with only a few leads to lift us out of the fog before the soothing finale, followed by Volcanic Winter, which allows us a few more moments of respite before striking again, keeping us in a suffocating atmosphere. The final heady leads barely lift us out of the darkness, but Fogo Nas Entranhas throws us back in with raw, massive sounds coupled with furious vociferations. The solo allows us to stall until the last part, then Burial Swamps closes the album with more mysterious guitars that match the slowness of the rhythm.
Phenocryst remain anchored in their thick Death Metal coupled with heavy Doom roots, and make Cremation Pyre a great moment of oppression and raw violence. If you like Old School sounds, don’t hesitate!
85/100