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On Necroceros, Asphyx reaffirm their ironclad identity as masters of death-doom, delivering a record that’s both a celebration of their legacy and a show of continued strength well into their fourth decade. While some bands try to reinvent themselves with each release, Asphyx double down on what they do best: gritty, hulking riffs, van Drunen’s feral rasp, and a percussive march that alternates between relentless assault and suffocating doom.
From the opening blast of “The Sole Cure is Death,” it's clear that the Dutch veterans haven’t lost their appetite for carnage. The album’s structure moves with purpose—tracks like “Molten Black Earth” and “Mount Skull” balance mid-paced stomp with bursts of pure violence, while the title track and “Three Years of Famine” showcase their knack for morbid atmosphere and measured pacing without sacrificing heaviness.
“Three Years of Famine” in particular is a standout, and a curveball by Asphyx standards. Built around a mournful melodic lead and an almost epic structure, it reveals a band willing to subtly stretch its formula without abandoning its roots. Lyrically, it plunges into historical tragedy with surprising poignancy, and musically, it builds patiently toward a crushing climax, showing a dynamic range not often associated with their earlier catalog.
Production-wise, Necroceros is monumental. The guitars are dense and enormous, the drums hit with thunderous clarity, and van Drunen sounds as venomous as ever. The album's mix captures Asphyx at their most commanding, giving the riffs room to breathe without sacrificing the overwhelming weight that defines their sound.
While it doesn’t rewrite their blueprint, Necroceros doesn't need to. It’s a refined and powerful addition to their catalog, leaning on the tried-and-true while slipping in just enough nuance to keep things compelling. For longtime fans, it's a triumphant affirmation of what made them legends to begin with. For newcomers, it’s a crushing gateway into the world of Asphyx—where death metal still walks with doom in its shadow, and the riffs remain absolutely unforgiving.
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