Ensanguinate’s ritual continues.
Following their debut album in 2022, the band led by A.C. (guitar/vocals), G.C. (drums), J.C. (guitar/organ), and K.O. (bass) has signed with Soulseller Records for the release of their second album, Death Saturnalia.
Lámia welcomes us with her piano, majestic at first but ultimately very disturbing, slowing down as we approach Angel of a Thousand Poisons, a massive opening track that explodes in our faces with virulent riffs and devastating screams. The frenzied rhythm lets the scathing melodies wash over us while crushing us, slowing down only to offer unhealthy touches or give birth to an epic solo, only to return to its initial haste and finally reach On Wings of Bone, which follows the same path. This track showcases all the musician’s fury who even dare to add a touch of melancholy towards the middle as a kind of pause, before setting off again at full speed to give free rein to the sharp harmonics on Rooted in Accursed Ground, developing catchy Old School roots but also haunting melodies to accentuate the contrast. The final is rather calm, albeit a little anxiety-inducing, then Savage Hunger Far Beyond follows suit, maintaining this heavy atmosphere, followed by a new wave where both the instrumental and vocal parts remain focused on their rage, still allowing us a break before the solo. Gloaming takes over, incorporating a touch of stirring thrash into its already abrasive base, which doesn’t hesitate to overuse piercing leads before the piano returns on The Whip and the Pendulum, offering us a brief moment of calm before the saturation returns. Although it starts off fairly slow, the rhythm soon catches fire and becomes hellish again, following its own rhythm and changes, such as the slow, airy moment followed by the keyboards, allowing us to savor the finale towards Daughter to Cain, a track with an almost military approach that explodes suddenly and takes us on a frantic charge that turns into a funeral dirge after a final moment of calm.
While some may see Ensanguinate as nothing more than an excellent wave of rage and violence, it’s easy to understand that Death Saturnalia is also a true cry of occult darkness. The album will easily find its audience.
85/100