Death Metal – Page 6 – Acta Infernalis

The Beheaded machine strikes again. Active on the Maltese scene since 1991, the band consists of David Cachia (bass), Frank Calleja (vocals, Coffin Birth, Slit), Davide Billia (drums, Antropofagus, Coffin Birth, ex-Hour of Penance, ex-Putridity…), Simone Brigo (guitar, Blasphemer) and Fabio Marasco (guitar, Maze of Sothoth) renews its partnership with Agonia Records for the release of its seventh and concept album, Ghadam.

The album begins with its title track Ghadam, whose introduction is strangely gentle when you consider the ferocity with which the band then tramples us. The arrival of the ferocious vocals only reinforces the oppressive atmosphere that develops, thanks in particular to the dissonant touches, but we gradually feel the melodies bewitching us before moving on to Xtrajt l-infern, which remains in the dark realm with a touch of complexity. Vocals are supported by almost mystical choirs to develop its Black/Death influences, which can also be found on B’niket inhabbru l-mewt, where the guitars become decidedly more mysterious, as do the clean vocals. The use of Maltese contributes to this disturbing atmosphere because it is unfamiliar, but Ihirsa accentuates the contrast between martial drums and ethereal elements before trampling us again with massive riffs, ultimately harmoniously linking the two worlds to create a rather different kind of violence. Il-Kittieb finally takes over, enveloping us in its impenetrable fog with a few intoxicating and almost soothing melodies that let through a sampled voice that will eventually rub off on the main vocals, making them almost plaintive. The track ends shortly after, followed by Ix-xjaten ta’ mohhi, where we find the roots of a purer and more uncompromising Brutal Death, but which finds its new form in the jerky finale, giving way to Iljieli bla qamar’s mysterious harmonics. The track remains thick and aggressive, using furious patterns at full speed without ever taking the time to slow down, almost joining the intro sample of Jidhaq il-lejl, but the riffs are of course not far away, patiently waiting for their moment to strike. On vocal, Frank sticks to his usual growl, but he also offers some rawer backing vocals as the rhythm becomes hazy again, finally transforming into a traditional lullaby on Irmied, the final and much more soothing creation that allows us to close the album gently.

Far from pure Brutal Death, Beheaded retains its massive riffs to offer them new influences, thus giving Ghadam a uniqueness within the Death Metal scene. The experience is truly interesting.

85/100