I have said before that blackened thrash metal done right is devilishly good. However, it is difficult to successfully fuse these sub-genres. Black metal emphasizes feeling and there is a disposition for simplicity over flash, though some will argue otherwise. Thrash metal is on a continuum of complexity, regarding riffs and songwriting. However, there is a midpoint where dissonance and virtuosity successfully blend, but it is hard to locate. German black/thrash stalwarts Desaster have played at this midpoint for 37 years, and continue the madness with its tenth album, Kill All Idols.
The album begins with a literal bang, before the band launches into a cacophonous whirlwind of blast beats and tremolo riffing on “Great Repulsive Force.” The slow, galloping midsection features a ghostly riff accompanied by some manic bass drumming. “Emanation Of The Profane” has an 80s goth vibe and punk rock swagger that is apparent throughout this record. “Towards Oblivion” the initial single, is a highlight, with its hammer on guitar intro, d-beat tempo and icy riffing. The riff grips you like a specter, dragging you through a forest. The title track is a short thrasher that goes for the throat. Drummer Hont pounds on the skins like they owe him money and Infernal unleashes a simple, fiery riff that gets the job done. “Ash Cloud Ritual” is a slower number, with a plodding main riff reminiscent of latter day Darkthrone.
“Fathomless Victory” is the longest track on Idols, with a sorrowful riff that evokes feelings of hopelessness and despair. It features a slow, galloping tempo, with a scooping riff that conjures imagery of a viking fleet rowing aimlessly in search of something. The one-two combo of “Throne of Ecstasy” and “They Are The Law” showcase the band’s influences. “Throne” showcases the band’s black and traditional metal roots, where as “They Are The Law” is an homage to Motorhead and Venom with its speed and indifferent attitude. “Stellar Remnant” has a death metal influence with Sataniac’s guttural vocals and palm muted riffing. It seems Desaster would not conclude Idols without giving a shout out to Floridian style death metal.
Kill All Idols is a record bounces from one sub-genre to another, without sounding totally awkward. Desaster has played black metal in some form or fashion since its 1996 debut, A Touch of Medieval Darkness. However, the band has expanded its pallet with a mix of thrash, death, punk and doom for good measure. The fusion is successfully overall, as the album has several tracks that will get your head banging. There are a few minor blemishes, but the album’s brevity and overall attitude make up for those. The production is somewhat lo-fi as one would expect, and adds to the nostalgic charm of the record.
Desaster do it well on Kill All Idols. It is 39 minutes of black/thrash mayhem that will appease the old and new schools. The riffing, dark atmosphere, and speed are in abundance and the band does not wear out its welcome. The band continues to sit on the throne of ecstasy.
check out the band’s website here: https://total-desaster.jimdofree.com/
