Okrütnik is a Polish blackened thrash band inspired by classic Venom and speedfreaks like Kat. Their debut album Legion Antychrysta is as homely, cruel and unapologetic as their influences would lead you to believe. When opener “Sabat” finally gets its footing after a protected introduction, it bounds around on a big, ground-splitting groove like a hungry panther ricocheting off a tree and onto the back of its feeble, fleeing prey. The solos on the track spin and glimmer like dice thrown in the air to decide the fate of a condemned man and the vocals sound like the product of an incubus lashed to a Catherine wheel, slowly being reduced to demon jelly. In other words, Okrütnik has captured the sound of pure malevolence and pain. The following track “Legion Antychrysta” is a blustery furnace where serpentine chords loop back over their spines and spring out from their own undercarriage to strike a fatal blow like a viper possessed. Things slow down a bit on “Lament Księcia Czarnej Magii” but only so much as to demonstrate the fullest extent of the ghoulish atmosphere that the band has cultivated, only to burst forth once again with a bludgeoning, locked groove, unleashed without concern for who it mauls or maims. The production and recording quality throughout Legion Antychrysta is extremely uneven, but frankly, I think that adds to its rough-hewn and horrendous charm. If you are in the mood for some old school, heavy metal evil, then let Okrütnik slake your thirst for all things sinister.
You can stream the entirety of Legion Antychrysta below via Bandcamp:
Get a copy from Ossuary Records here.
Follow Okrütnik on Facebook and Instrgram.
