Style: Death/Thrash Metal with Black Metal elements
Recommended for fans of: Testament, Exodus, Possessed, Celtic Frost, Amon Amarth
Country: Greece (Ioannina)
Release date: July 5, 2020
On Human Devolution is the debut album of Deathcraeft, a Greek death/thrash outfit that bases its entire thematic on the universe of H.P. Lovecraft. it is an impressively mature first album, with flawless production, sturdy playing and an atmosphere that perfectly captures Lovecraft’s cosmic horror.
The album is a concept and explores the decay of humanity, its self-destruction and its inevitable fall, through a story that combines sociopolitical elements with the Cthulhu Mythos. the band “creates its own Odyssey” through a journey that doesn’t require you to have read Lovecraft to enjoy it.
The opening with “The Ritual / Beginning of the End” exceeds 12 minutes and works as an introduction to the whole universe of the record. the multivocal approach of Nikonas Tsolakos, who sounds like two different singers, with constant switches between blackened and death vocals.
Kostas Kalampokas takes on guitars and bass, with playing characterized by blackened thrash influences, technicality and riffs that constantly build tension. Metal Temple speaks of “guitars that bleed atmosphere and power” and of a production that creates a full picture of cosmic horror.
Giannis Chionidis (Echidna) on drums gives a more progressive death metal approach, but at the same time delivers the black metal blast beats flawlessly, something Metal Noise comments on positively as “as if recorded in frozen forests of Finland”.
“Spreading Lies” stands out for its cinematic intro and its black metal style, while “Welcome to Oblivion” brings Exodus-type thrash influences with impressive solos. Asphyxium Zine describes the album as “expressive, with classic influences and an atmosphere that builds real terror”.
The closing with “Free Into The Void” works as a mirror of the opening track, completing the story with a sense of inevitable destruction.
Overall, On Human Devolution is a very strong debut, with sturdy production, flawless playing and a clear artistic identity. It doesn’t try to “discover” the genre, but serves it with passion, technique and atmosphere. For Greek extreme metal, it is one of the most impressive first works of the decade.
ALBUM CREDITS – On Human Devolution
Deathcraeft – Nikonas Tsolakos – Vocals – Kostas Kalampokas – Guitars, Bass, Composition – Giannis Chionidis – Drums
Music: Kostas Kalampokas Lyrics: Nikonas Tsolakos Production: Deathcraeft (Infinite Loop Studio) Mastering: Peter In de Betou (Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Dark Funeral) Label: Independent Release: July 5, 2020 Runtime: 48:02
