Two extreme metal acts unite for one brutally heavy split LP. Two acts who are markedly different, yet coupled by the sonic boundaries they explore, makes for a brain scrambling (but rather nice, nonetheless) listen. Featuring six tracks of the very best black and death metal, this release solidifies Godz Ov War’s as the premier propagators of extreme music, and proves they have their finger firmly on metal’s steely pulse.
Formed in Slovakia in 2008, Dominion Of Suffering are a quartet who peddle a nice black/death metal hybrid and deliver a sound that is not for the weak of constitution, and if proof were needed then just listen to the intro to opening track ‘The Way Of Destruction’. Like somebody opening the gates of hell and unleashing all sorts of tortured cries, this is a disconcerting introduction and one that’s strangely prophetic. It is in perfect sync with the band’s dark aesthetic and means that when the band kick in, it is with some force. They are a band who defy easy categorisation and pull lots influences into their sphere; guttural vocals sit next to the clean, old school guitar solos rub shoulders with furious blastbeats while black metal collides with death, and it all adds up to a hefty listen. It also ensures that Dominion Of Suffering are far from generic and their three cuts throw up plenty of surprises which means things never become staid. There’s a rawness to their modus operandi that reminds me of early Venom, and this is one band who should definitely be on your playlist.
A one man project of Lord Phobos, Phobonoid also kicks off with a spooky introduction before hitting us with a skin-stripping riff to herald the arrival of ‘Cosmonauta Eterno I’. In opposition to the organic sound of Dominion Of Suffering, Phobonoid is a more focused affair which offers a more traditional black metal sound. Although Lord Phobos hails from Italy, he has created a sound that’s full of Nordic iciness and conjures images of glacial wildernesses and lightning cracking leaden skies. This is an evocative brand of black metal, and one that will take you on a journey through snow-capped peaks as the track evolves over the course of ten-and-a-half minutes. Its combination piece, ‘Cosmonauta Eterno II’ is equally expressive only it takes a darker turn, a different side of the same coin it is more funereal and oppressive, weighing heavy upon the listener like a concrete overcoat. Final track is a dark and disconcerting instrumental and brings this disc full circle and makes for a satisfying listen.
I’m quite keen on these types of split releases, especially when two different acts have been put together, and both Dominion Of Suffering and Phobonoid contrast and compliment each other very well. These releases are also a great way to discover artists you’ve maybe never heard before, and you’ll be glad you’ve stumbled on these two.
- Dominion Of Suffering/Phobonoid is released via Godz Ov War Productions and is available now (from here).
Track List:
- The Way Of Destruction *
- Descendant Of The Fallen Gods *
- The Illusion of Life’s Wohrt *
- Cosmonauta Eterno I **
- Cosmonauta Eterno II **
- Crionia **
* Dominion Of Suffering
** Phobonoid
