Rising like an unimaginable beast from the abyssal depths, Indianapolis-based death metal unit Atavistic Decay are unleashing their hellish vision on the world. Released on January 5th, Demo MMXXIV is not just an introduction to the band but a mission statement. Diving headlong into the depths, Atavistic Decay are laying waste with their brand of cavernous death metal.
Joining a crowded field of crypt dwellers, Atavistic Decay set themselves apart by keeping the almighty riff front and center. Opener “Oracle of Death” starts off with a hypnotic chug. In a nod to the mighty Disembowelment, a clean guitar figure levitates over the top of the riff. Atmosphere and heaviness instantly achieved. From there the guttural vocals and blast beats burst forth, but they don’t take too long to slide into another mid-paced riff. Then a funeral riff arrives and they sound like the end of the world has arrived. One gets a sense that Incantation’s Onward to Golgotha features prominently in their listening habits and that’s not a bad thing. They move from riff to riff with ease and give any true death metal fan what they want all within this eight-minute song.
Atavistic Decay moves from strength to strength. “Sepulchral Silence” hints a bit at the underappreciated Winter’s Into Darkness, granted with updated production. “Black Mists of an Eternal Nothing” starts off leaning into the funeral doom vibe, but then segueways into Obituary and Incantation moments, always keeping the listener’s attention.
They close with “Submission to Decay”, perhaps the strongest track. The first riff is absolutely crushing, a mid-paced stomp that sidesteps Bolt Thrower comparisons, yet the transition into a blast does hint towards Warmaster. From one riff to the next, this is top-notch death doom and anyone who loves that sub-genre need not read further. The vocal approach does get varied up a little bit here, mournful cries occasionally punctuating the death growls. And those mystical Disembowelment parts return here as well, deepening the atmosphere.
Many cavernous/ death doom bands favor crypt stench ambiance over distinctive riffing, but Atavastic Decay succeeds at balancing both. The oppressive heaviness is there in spades, but the riffs will stick with you after the recording concludes. Don’t sleep on these guys, I’m sure there is more to come.
