The masters De Profundis are back.
To celebrate their 20th anniversary and recent lineup changes, the band – composed of Shoi Sen (guitar, ex-Monument of Misanthropy, live for Incantation), Paul Nazarkardeh (guitar, ex-Monument of Misanthropy), Tom Atherton (drums), Simon McAuliffe (bass), and Stefano Bassi (vocals, ex-Tableau Mort) unveils its new EP, The Gospel of Rot.
Still rooted in its Old School Death Metal approach, the band kicks off with I Corruption, a heavy opening track that nevertheless leaves plenty of room for scathing leads, reinforcing the power of the vocals. The track abuses us before handing over to II Deception, whose jerky riffing is perfect for welcoming the different phases, ranging from effective rhythms to a passage boosted by sub-bass, as well as piercing solos. However, the track is quite short, and III Indoctrination takes its place, offering a rather oppressive sound that eventually accelerates to become unhealthy and retains its dark, disturbing elements throughout, sometimes even coupled with more dissonant passages. We move straight on to IV Subtraction, the last composition, which focuses on patterns borrowed from Brutal Death Metal with a touch of technicality, making the track as catchy as it is violent, but which also knows how to leave room for the leads.
Although very short, The Gospel of Rot allows De Profundis to mark the end of its second decade with a sound as fresh as it is putrid. This third form of Death Metal is as raw as it is powerful.
90/100
