Thrashing, rocking, old-school death metal is always premium. Venefixion has returned with another EP – the always kinetic, never too slow, never boring Armorican Deathrites, care of Iron Bonehead Productions.
Iron Bonehead fans know what to expect from the label: darn good metal! They may feature a left-curve band every so often, but underground deathers and black metallers know just how good the label’s releases usually are, and the same goes for this EP by Venefixion. Write your congressman and demand a full-length release from the band. They are underrated as hell, and that has to be a crime. It’s insane for Venefixion to be so good and so obscure at the same time, but that’s the way things go. The nature of the music industry hasn’t changed. Major labels will sign bands that sell many records, ignoring bands that deserve more attention. Neither a publicity gimmick nor a result of record label marketing magic, Venefixion could care less about hype or trends. Labels everywhere will need to stockpile more death metal if they are to tangle with this band’s sophomore release.
They play plenty of thrashy death metal on Armorican Deathrites. Similar to their previous release, the four tracks on the EP are mostly uptempo bangers. In fact I remember stating that I would expect big things from them after I was fortunate enough to review their debut. To cut to the chase, this EP exceeds that expectation. It fortifies my love for the underground. So, I wish to shed light on it for readers that care about quality death metal that most fans don’t know about.
Magazines that refuse to cover Venefixion can find alternate use as toilet paper. So hear it now: stream this m*therf*cker like you love death metal of superlative caliber. The keyboard intro is a genuine heist of Johann Pachelbel, lest my ears deceive me. In fact, Venefixion keeps it mercifully short so they can get right to the point. The echoing roars and wild solos are moot. The shreds and chord progressions sound fresh. Should Venefixion play at a show near you, check them out and consider yourself blessed.
Some of the best death metal to desecrate ears in just two releases, Venefixion’s future is bright. Just like underground bands love to do, they’ve released records on vinyl for collectors and die-hards alike. They don’t stock this shit on FYE shelves, ladies and gentlemen. These guys don’t hack riffs off of old Morbid Angel records. Original, passionately-played, painstakingly written, Venefixion’s Armorican Deathrites is superb. Give it a listen and you’ll swear you’ve died and gone to death metal heaven.
