Ferum - Asunder / Erode (2022)

   Ferum from Italy debuted with an EP "Vergence" in 2018 released by by the label Everlasting Spew that's mainly known about it's death metal and grindcore releases. After Samantha's (guitars, vocals) relocation to Estonia, and by an Estonian drummer Are Kangus joined the band, it could be also called as an international project. With this line-up Ferum's first full-lengh album have been released in this August. Samantha previously played on guitar in bands like the Swedish styled death metal band Undead Creep and the blackened sludge/doom female band Saturnine.

   "Asunder/Erode" was completely worth waiting, since a high quality death/doom release have been born. While the themes of "Vergence" mainly reflected the features of old school Swedish death, the music in total reminded more to the that time less known early '90s Dutch scene (to bands such as Acrostichon or Sempiternal Deathreign), and the EP represented a raw form of death/doom by it's frequent intense themes. Compared to that on "Asunder/Erode" the role of speed switches and intensity reduced, and therefore their music drifted closer to the most essential definition of the style. And due to which direction made death/doom popular, it's very roots are lacking the more melodic, romantic concept. Instead there's overwhelming heaviness, simple, but chatchy riffs and downpulling rotting impression. Probably the death/doom classic Cianide could be mentioned as main musical influence (to them even direct reference can be discovered). Obscure lyrical concept performed by deep growling vocals are assisting to this slow but certain march to the horrors of inevitable doom. The ominous, demoralizing main view sounds nostalgic and refreshing the same time according to the past, current and main tendencies of the genre. Similarly impressing and defining releases are rare to find. 

More information about Ferum:
https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/album/asunder-erode

https://www.facebook.com/ferumdeath

Catafalc - Pain Performance (2006)

   Catafalc was formed in the late '90s and it took for a while to release their debut, that proved to be very intense and stunning. 
   On "Pain Performance" mainly the influence of mainstream death metal bands could be sensed (Cannibal Corpse, Deicede, Suffocation), while the expression shows analogy with the modern sound of brutal death. The themes often referring to old Cannibal Corpse, while the common speed switches, the intense hammering parts and the presence of a second backing vocal are evidently brutal death features. This approach is closer to the style of bands like Suffocation or Deeds of Flesh. The gore centered lyrical concept and the style how it was written also referring to Cannibal Corpse. The album is less than 30 mins long, but the extreme aggressiveness of the music is enough filling to not leave any missing feeling behind. It just sounds like an outbursting rageful rampage that consumes all in it's way without taking any rest. So the main concept is kind of simple, but the implementation is high quality and effective, therefore "Pain performance" could be like an absolute win for the fans of brutal death.