Country: New Zealand (Wellington)
Genre: Old-School / Cavernous Death Metal
Release: 2026
For fans of: Morbid Angel, Immolation, Hyperdontia, Phrenelith, Faceless Burial.
Fournier, a death metal trio based in Wellington, New Zealand, make their debut with the self-titled demo/EP. Formed in 2023 by musicians active in the local grind, black and death metal scenes, they create a reactive sonic blend against the modern trend of the genre. With deep influences from the atmospheric complexity of Morbid Angel and Immolation, but also the massive, “old-fashioned” sound of Hyperdontia and Phrenelith, “Fournier” (which was released digitally in May and is now available in physical form) is the result of two years of fermentation. The band delivers four tracks of cavernous, brutal death metal, with philosophical and existential undertones around oppression and the dualistic perception of reality.
Tracklist :
- Cast Adrift
- Constructing the Ark
- Supreme Ornaments
- An Angel With A Bullet
REVIEW : If you’re looking for polished productions, feel free to skip this. Fournier’s debut is a dive into authentic, cavernous ’90s death metal, but with a fresh, brutal perspective. The opener “Cast Adrift” kicks in with attitude, playing between old-school groove and the intensity we find in bands like Faceless Burial. Personally, though, my ears really perked up on “Constructing the Ark”. There the band gives off a clear “Formulas Fatal to the Flesh” vibe, with riffs that hit you relentlessly and a thrashy intensity that keeps you on edge.
The track that shows this trio isn’t just another run-of-the-mill band playing “meat and potatoes” death metal, however, is “Supreme Ornaments”. Its uncomfortable, almost deathly intro and the build-up of atmosphere before the thrash eruption show they have a compositional vision. The closing with “An Angel With A Bullet” brings something of the New York scene and the days of “Altars of Madness”. There’s certainly room for improvement and evolution of their dynamics on future releases, but for a first contact, we’re talking about a sharp, honest and highly energizing effort. Highly recommended!
