Goatwhore
Vengeful Ascension
(Metal Blade Records)
It’s fair to say that in the world of extreme metal that Goatwhore has become a household name. Since day one, these blackened thrash-death metal heads have released countless brutal records, and delivered some of the wildest live performances in the world of heavy music. The NOLA boys are proud to release their seventh studio record Vengeful Ascension, which easily marks their most relentless, chaotic, and mystic work to date.
While all of Goatwhore’s lyrical work takes on an anti-Catholic direction, Vengeful Ascension offers a little more for the literary inclined metal heads. The album follows an idea similar to that of John Milton’s famous poem Paradise Lost. As Lucifer attempted to climb his way back to heaven only to meet adversity, the record looks at man’s attempt to live life, only be shot down by struggles. Taking this approach creates a fascinating work of philosophical intrigue, with utter chaos in instrumentation. The vocals are fairly standard for anyone who has listened to at least one Goatwhore record, which is just fine given that they provide a terrific element of anger to the work.
“Forsaken” starts things with a sharp drum intro that comes down like the gnawing of teeth. This slight layer of fuzz slithers its way through the guitar, producing a hefty sinister tone. The song has a drone aspect to its rhythm, emotionally creating a sense of doom. There are brief moments of electric vibrancy in the guitar, which combined with the use of blast beats, bring forth that classic Goatwhore aggression in speed. “Under The Flesh, Into The Soul” shifts gears into that straight forward chaos that the band has been known for all these years. Grinding drums, and the clashing of cymbals, strike through the distortion heavy guitar rhythm. Quick moments of bright guitar tones pop up, leading into a very catchy (yet evil sounding) rhythm section.
The drums shift from chaos to steady speeds in “Chaos Arcane”. Filled to the brim with blast beats and anger, the song displays more of that doom like atmosphere. The guitar work blends that of all out shredding, to sharp streaks that pop throughout the track. For a band that is so well known for their balls to the wall energy, it’s in Vengeful Ascension that they show off just how well they can create a mesmerizing slow aura. “Where The Sun Is Silent” is another addition of thick gloom that crawls from the murky depths, this time carrying a ring of mystic energy. The material has more of an esoteric vibe, as the guitar produces a mood and emotion that comes from something out of the darkest black and doom metal. While the song at the halfway point amps up the instrumental intensity, what makes the work sincerely unique is that misty approach in the beginning. It’s songs like these through prove how capable Goatwhore is in creating various styles, and still maintaining the core of their message and sound.
For those who want that hell fueled adrenaline that the band is known for, well no worries because there is plenty of that. “Mankind Will Have No Mercy” has the guitar jolt out at first in spurts, to having the track drop into a rage roaring ripper. Blast beats shoot out from 0 to 100, as the guitar enters one of its most stellar moments of searing shredding within the album. There are also catchy moments where the guitar strings flow with fire, creating a rising chaotic nature. The final track, “Those Who Denied God’s Will”, is the most standout title on the album. With an eerie sonic guitar tone and utterly crushing drum work, the song tears away with devastating movement, all backed with a blackened aura. The track constantly pummels with its adrenaline, glorious contrast of darkness and twilight guitar work, and pure evil devilry.
Vengeful Ascension is Goatwhore’s most diverse and interesting work to date. The band proves that they can do more than just shred away from beginning to end, but build upon their foundation to introduce deeper chemistry. Goatwhore from the very beginning maintain an outstanding level of evil and intrigue through both atmospheric and punishing instrumentation. Vocally and thematically the band dig a little deeper to provide a sincere and worldly message that combines the literary, mystical, and physical realities we live. Vengeful Ascension is a bit of a different turn for Goatwhore, but all in the most wonderful ways. The record is one of those works that taps into the vein of human existence, and unleashes it in devastating heavy metal fashion.
