With Process of Decay, Desecration deliver a savage onslaught of pure, unrelenting death metal that refuses to compromise. From the very first blast of When the Heart Stops Beating, the Welsh death metal veterans make their intentions clear—this is brutal, straightforward, and unapologetically intense. While some bands aim for technical wizardry or progressive complexity, Desecration remain firmly rooted in the art of blunt-force death metal, balancing sheer aggression with razor-sharp precision.
The production is a standout aspect of this album, giving the guitars an enormous presence without sacrificing clarity. The riffing is crushing, yet punctuated by catchy, headbang-inducing grooves that keep the energy flowing. The drumming, now featuring triggered elements, brings a machine-like intensity, ensuring that every blast beat and double bass passage hits with maximum impact. While the speed and brutality are relentless, tracks like Black Putrefaction introduce well-placed breakdowns and groove-laden sections, demonstrating the band's ability to craft dynamic, memorable moments within the chaos.
Vocalist Ollie Jones delivers a monstrous performance, shifting between guttural roars and high-pitched screams, enhancing the overall savagery of the album. Lyrically, Desecration stay true to their gore-soaked themes, embracing the darker side of death metal with morbid enthusiasm. The album also nods toward old-school influences, with hints of early Deicide and Unleashed seeping into the songwriting, blending melody with brutality in a way that adds depth without softening the impact.
For those who crave technically intricate death metal, Process of Decay might not be the first pick. But for fans of relentless, bone-crushing brutality that remains raw yet refined, this album is a masterclass in pit-inducing carnage. Whether it’s the blistering speed, the massive grooves, or the sheer unfiltered aggression, Desecration have crafted an album that hits hard and leaves a lasting impact.
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