Review: Ekpyrosis “Asphyxiating Devotion”

Ekpyrosis “Asphyxiating Devotion”
Memento Mori

Into darker death metal like Immolation or Incantation?

Hot shit, you are into a treat with this one.

Ekpyrosis is a relatively a new band, formed back in 2013 already hitting with two demos named In Pulverem Reverteris in 2013 and Black Aspid of Doom in 2015. The same year they have released their Witness His Death EP.  But the year of 2017 will be the main course for these guys; their first full-length Asphyxiating Devotion is a dark, massive old school hitter.

Clearly taking its cue from older USA death metal bands like Immolation, Incantation, and Sadistic Intent as well as few nods to the older Scandinavian scene. Album opens with a malevolent intro that solidly represents the records whole atmosphere. Shortly thereafter the first track Profound Death starts hitting you with fast as well as slow riffs. This seven minutes long track is possibly the best track of the album. It’s obvious why this song is used for promotion. It perfectly presents all the sides and quality of the record.

Production is very similar of the sound of the American death metal bands of the nineties with a slightly clearer sound so you can hear everything what’s going on here, even the bass in songs like God Grotesque. Despite being a death metal album with fast songs like Morticians Of God or Immolate The Denied the albums best parts are in its sludgy, slow parts while the records morbid vibe grows as nod your head with the rhythm guitars.

Personal favorite of the album beside first track is Depths Of Tribulation which is possibly their fastest as well the catchiest song. This one is going to be a killer for live performances.

In summation, Ekpyrosis – Asphyxiating Devotion is a quality love letter to the early death metal scene and an impressive debut. For the fans of this genre this record is a no-brainer to pick up and check it out.