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In their third album, "Tyrants of the Netherworld," Germany's Desaster solidifies their musical style, seamlessly blending black metal and thrash elements while infusing medieval nuances that harken back to their early years. The album boasts a captivating studio production, striking a balance between a muffled, old-school metal feel and a heavy atmosphere that elicits goosebumps throughout its 40-minute duration.
Desaster's ingenuity and variation in songwriting, coupled with an abundance of lyrics for Okkulto (and later Sataniac) to deliver, contribute to the band's standout position in the metal scene. Unlike its predecessor, "Hellfire's Dominion," this album achieves a more coherent and consistent character. While it may lack the massive hits of previous releases, such as "Metalized Blood" or "Teutonic Steel," it gains strength through technical advancements and the band's collective musical prowess.
The album follows Desaster's established structure, featuring an intro, eight regular songs, and an outro, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The opening track, "Nekropolis Karthago," sets the tone with its thunderous and aggressive sound, showcasing Desaster at their most violent and intense. The song seamlessly blends catchy guitar licks, diverse riff ideas, and bombastic choruses, creating an anthem perfect for live performances.
Another standout track, "Tyrants of the Netherworld," exemplifies the band's technical artistry, incorporating thunderous verses, slow anthemic choruses, and medieval guitar licks. Clocking in as the longest track, it encapsulates the essence of Desaster's metal prowess. The album maintains its strength throughout, with each track contributing to its overall cohesiveness.
While there might not be overtly recognized hymns, there is no room for filler in the Desaster camp. Each song, including the Bathory-inspired "Battle Oath" and the thrash-infused trio "Victim of My Force," "Profanation," and "Sworn to Avenge," delivers a solid kick. Even without major hits, Desaster ensures that every track contributes to the overall strength of the album.
"Tyrants of the Netherworld" marks Okkulto's final full-length album with Desaster before Sataniac took over vocal duties. Okkulto bids farewell in style, leaving behind an album that many consider the band's best. It's an invitation for listeners to experience the captivating blend of black and thrash metal, medieval elements, and the raw energy that defines Desaster's signature sound.
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