Storm Upon The Masses - Crusher Of Souls

If one is looking for an album that fire them up in the morning, like a shot of espresso to the heart (done Death Metal style), Storm Upon The Masses will get one from point A to point B on the ‘awake’ scale. A furious pummeling from Belgium that takes the likes of Immolation meets the Death Metal side of Belphegor, this is about as modern as one can get the Brutal Death Metal with solid all around production that would make fans of Severe Torture proud, but with more of a throaty vocal approach that isn’t quite so low such as that of Immolation. It should be noted that “Crusher Of Souls” is one’s basic Death Metal album with just riffs after riff and explosive drums and vocals that bury the bass, along with anyone who stands in the way like the album cover depicts, for a half hour of non stop head banging and moshing. The only moment of respite is the build up on the introduction of ‘Seas of Infinite Plague’ or ‘Excessive Retaliation’ before the familiar chugs start and the vocals come in and it just becomes a blitzkrieg of music that hooks in and once one is in it they can’t really get out. It is just a tornado of solid, good Metal. Those who enjoyed the level of offense built in sound versus album covers and track names will find this late 90s sound a treat.

That being said, like a lot of solid modern Death Metal bands who don’t aim to go more of the sub genre routes, the album can tend to sound the same after a while. The band keeps the dial on semi mid paced to fast with the dual guitar approach of Jurgen Hondshoven and Sandro Di Carano delivering as much chugging groove amongst the speed- especially towards the end of each track- aiming to add a bit of Blood Red Throne influence in there so there is a slight weather from the storm, but not much. Other tracks like ‘Unleash the Demonic Surge’ does just that- hell descending in riffs, vocals and crashing cymbals and pummeling bass drum that borders more of the Vital Remains relentlessness heard over the years. No mercy for anyone on this one! The drums from Gert Sergeant run from percussive to downright thunderous, adding just the right atmosphere for what the album aims to convey. Finally there are the throaty vocals that go between mid range snarls and growls to somewhat higher rasps, but never to the guttural level or piercing shriek that other bands do. As a result, the somewhat limited range does hinder the band for their depth, but thankfully the range is accessible for what Brecht Putteneers puts out.

Amongst the chaos, the bass from Sam Philipsen is sadly drowned in the mix. On some of the slower chugs on a track like ‘Arterial Red’ or ‘Cauldron of Carnage’ it is a little easier to hear the rumbles during the anthemic choruses, but due to the speed and level of ‘loud’ the guitars and drums present, it doesn’t quite get its spotlight. Still, subtle thickness to the sound is felt at live shows and heard from the speakers in every track, so the production does its best job to make sure everything is ‘somewhat’ heard. Overall, this Brutal Death Metal offering will appeal to those who like the ferocity of the likes Vitriol or even Embrace Your Punishment as this is an absolutely remorseless album. “Crusher Of Souls” lives up to its name as it intends to crush ears, avoiding anything really moody or progressive like early Morbid Angel used to do. It should be noted that seeing these guys live is going to incite some pain in the pit, but for those who just need to unleash some hate will feel that catharsis in the music and find themselves moshing right along to the fury it presents. An angry album for the angry metalhead while not being blatant about it.

3.5 / 5 STARS