Germany’s Deathrite are an imposing presence in every way. Just look at the horror dripping from their logo and the image of Death dominating the cover of Into Extinction. However, superficial elements aside, Deathrite have their devastating music in check and Into Extinction is one of 2013’s dirtiest and darkest hardcore records of the year.
With crust and d-beat firmly in tow, these Germans know exactly what their MO is on the half hour long LP. There’s simply no messing about, these are face ripping sonic dirges that waste no time in living up to their name – bringing extinction.
That said, Deathrite may be all about the pummelling dark abyss but they never lose track of the “song” as believe it or not, there are even riffs on the LP that you could call catchy and memorable. For all their barbarisms, Deathrite are still good songwriters.
First track, ‘Forsaken Tombs’ makes this clear straight away with a searing guitar and drum combo that, while aided by a slick production, is cavernous and savage. The riffs are dripping with a flavour of Swedish crust, an obvious but still powerful influence, but sound totally invigorated here.
The pummelling nature of the music is counteracted only the grief and sorrowful subject matter and with track titles like ‘Born Under A Guillotine’ and ‘Revenge and Reparations’, it’s clear where Deathrite’s focus lies – creating something bleak but still totally punishing.
‘Vicious Throne’ is a perfect example of this band at their most terse and belligerent with a minute and half of crusty guitars and grinding drums to start leading us into a ferocious breakdown that fearlessly rings the listener’s neck.
Meanwhile, a song like ‘Deathbed’ flatters with a doomier trudge and to end with the 48 second blaze of ‘Infernal Void’ to whip us back into familiar territory and the near six minute closer of ‘The Golden Age’ really wraps this record up nicely with some of the album’s sharpest riffs that bookend this ruthless foray.
We needn’t remind you that CVLT Nation are streaming Into Extinction in its entirety right now. So, excuses? You have none.
