Phenocryst – Cremation Pyre (2024) Black Vinyl Review
⛤ Death Metal |
24.00€
(Mint)
⛤ Pulse Rating: 8.75 / 10
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If you're a die-hard metalhead, there's a rush that comes from snagging a debut album from an up-and-coming Portuguese band like Phenocryst. Their 2024 offering, "Cremation Pyre," unleashed by the trusty Blood Harvest Records, is the kind of record you can tell will leave its mark over the years. This isn't just any death metal debut; it hits hard with pure conviction — modern, intense, and undeniably sharp — yet it has a primal, volcanic vibe steaming just below the surface, demanding your attention.
This black vinyl pressing captures every blast beat and growl with an intensity that you need to experience. Collectors, take note: this is one of those essential first LPs that you'll regret missing when it flies off the shelves.
What sets "Cremation Pyre" apart is the band's intriguing take on their theme: volcanology. Instead of sticking to the tired clichés that plague the genre, Phenocryst ignites their music with vivid imagery of lava flows, catastrophic eruptions, ash clouds, and complete planetary annihilation. This thematic twist is woven into every riff and every lyric.
The opener, "Pinnacle of Death," hits you hard right from the get-go — blistering pictures of sound fueled by D.S.'s guitar work, which echoes through the entire album. These guys are unified and hungry, clearly pushing well beyond the limits usually expected from a first outing.
And let's talk production — handled deftly by Fernando Matias at The Pentagon Audio Manufacturers. It's brutal but not muddied; Artur's blast beats cut through the mix like a knife while V.M.'s bass reverberates with those deep, rumbling volcanic vibes that define the album. Tracks like "Pyres of the Altar" and "Fogo nas Entranhas" come alive with added vocals and effects, crafting a devastating atmosphere that perfectly suits the overall concept.
The guest appearances amp up the intensity: Belathauzer, the legendary voice of Filii Nigrantium Infernalium, unleashes his signature tortured screams on "Pyres of the Altar." Jorge Santos, the band's live guitarist, lends his vocals to both "Pyres of the Altar" and "Fogo nas Entranhas," ramping up the ritualistic feel. And let's not forget Fernando Matias, who adds his own screams, FX, and synths to the mix, expanding the record's sonic horizons without ever losing that cohesive volcanic aesthetic.
One of the standout features of this album is its blend of technical power and emotional weight. "Volcanic Winter" serves as a mid-album powerhouse — starting slow, it erupts into a frenzy of razor-sharp riffage. And "Fogo nas Entranhas," sung entirely in Portuguese, doesn't just add cultural flair; it's raw and soul-stirring, like an invocation rising from the Earth's core. These moments heighten "Cremation Pyre" from a simple collection of death metal tracks into a real narrative — one that takes you through destruction, fire, and eventual rebirth.
For those of us who collect physical media, this LP ticks all the right boxes. The artwork, concept design, and stunning oil painting by James Campbell bring the album's apocalyptic vision to life. The pressing is immaculate, dynamic, and powerful — the perfect vehicle for experiencing a record this explosive.
If you're a fan of contemporary death metal and you've been paying attention to the killer wave of talent emerging from Portugal, you need to make sure this one finds a spot on your shelf — right now. "Cremation Pyre" is more than just a debut; it's a declaration, a promise, and a harbinger of what's to come. Phenocryst is just getting warmed up!
Tracklist:
Side A
1. Pinnacle of Death – 04:58
2. Astonishing Devastation – 06:05
3. Pyres of the Altar – 04:47
4. Incandescent Debris – 03:51
Side B
5. Embers of an Ancient Fire – 06:31
6. Volcanic Winter – 06:05
7. Fogo nas Entranhas – 04:40
8. Burial Swamps – 02:04
Credits:
Phenocryst
D.S. – Guitars, Vocals, Lyrics, Songwriting, Recording, Artwork, Layout
Artur – Drums, Recording, Arrangements
V.M. – Bass, Recording, Arrangements
Additional Personnel:
Belathauzer – Screams (track 3)
Jorge Santos – Additional vocals (tracks 3, 7)
Fernando Matias – Screams (track 3), FX & Synths (track 7), Producer, Mixing, Mastering
Other Credits:
Rui Malignus – Photography
Anvil Kvlt – Logo
James Campbell – Front cover oil painting
Bandcamp
Blood Harvest Records
💀 Label: Blood Harvest Records
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