Adversarial – Thralls (2022 Black Cassette, Demo)
⛤ Black Metal / Death Metal |
7.50 €
(Mint)
⛤ Pulse Rating: 8.5 / 10
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Adversarial’s debut demo “Thralls” hits hard right out of the gate with that unmistakable Canadian black/death vibe — raw, chaotic, and somehow detailed amidst all the chaos. For a first demo, it’s surprisingly confident: thick guitar sound, deep vocals, and drums that swing between complete mayhem and catchy riffs that stick in your head. It’s the kind of tape that feels like it could fall apart any second, but that wild energy is what makes it so powerful.
Each track brings its own flavor of destruction.
“Scourge of a World Ablaze” starts off frenzied before sliding into a heavy, mid-tempo groove that has a nearly ritualistic feel.
Then “A Hatred Tempered and Trialed” catches you off guard with a classical intro before launching into a snarling black/death mix packed with clever, tight riffs.
The title track “Thralls” showcases the band at their angriest — fast, chaotic, and driven by some seriously insane cymbal work.
For a demo, the production is impressively balanced: it’s dense but still clear enough to catch those tasty lead bits and transitions.
Then comes the cassette-exclusive bonus: “Impending Eternal Blackness (2019 Version).” It's rougher, more primitive, and absolutely fits the cold, hostile aura of the rest of the demo. The track adds a great sense of depth to the release — as if you get to peek one layer further into the early stages of Adversarial’s sound. It’s murkier, nastier, and a perfect match for the tape format.
What really stands out is the confidence in their songwriting. These three tracks aren’t just random noise — they have structure, they breathe, and they pull back just enough to make the next blast hit even harder. The guitars go from tremolo madness to twisted solos, while the vocals bounce between harsh snarls and deep, guttural growls that add to the dark atmosphere. It’s violent but not messy; chaotic but intentional.
That kind of balance is pretty rare for a first release.
“Thralls” feels like one of those demo tapes you stumble upon in a distro box at a basement show — raw, wild, mysterious, and clearly hinting at a band with serious talent.
The Canadian black/death scene has always had a unique, twisted energy, and Adversarial totally taps into that while creating their own style from the very first track.
It’s short, brutal, and super replayable — definitely the kind of demo worth keeping around.
Tracklist:
A1. Scourge Of A World Ablaze
A2. A Hatred Tempered And Trialed
A3. Thralls
A4. Impending Eternal Blackness (2019 Version)
B1. Scourge Of A World Ablaze
B2. A Hatred Tempered And Trialed
B3. Thralls
B4. Impending Eternal Blackness (2019 Version)
Credits:
E.K. - Drums
C.S. - Guitars, Vocals
Recorded Nov. 2008 at the Evil Jam Room.
There is no bass on this recording.
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