Since their inception in 2013, Cape Town based sonic coven The Fallen Prophets have been conjuring forth bone crushing vistas of vitriolic Brutal Death Metal.
On their latest EP ‘Primordial Instinct’ these Death Metal heavyweights serve up a smoldering platter of punishing Death Metal that incorporates a smorgasbord of Baroque and Classical music oriented motifs into their patented blend of savagery.
Featuring the combined talents of founding members Francois van der Merwe and Pieter Pieterse who handle Guitars and Vocals, lead guitarist Daniel Louw, Bassist Marc Olwage and drummer Dylan Haupt, this ferocious fivesome unleash tidal waves of technically proficient, sonically pummeling and immaculately executed Brutal Death Metal of the most malevolent sort.
The type of Death Metal The Fallen Prophets ply is grounded in the chugging riffs, rhythmic patterns and punishing ferocity of legendary acts such as Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide and Hate Eternal with the contemporary tendon crunching trappings of bands such as Pathology, Dying Fetus and Skinless. On their latest EP, as mentioned earlier, their bludgeoning onslaught is threaded through with a tapestry of stunning neo-classical patterns and Baroque themes.
Opening track ‘Beneath The Veil Of Flesh’ begins with a baroque lick and then proceeds to barrel along at breakneck speed with a crushing blackened riff, blistering blast beats and roaring vocals.
Title track ‘Primordial Instinct’ is a behemoth that surges ahead with an interesting array of stops, starts and a flesh tearing solo that would make Paul Ryan of Origin fame bristle with glee.
Track three ‘The Wretched Offering’ is a groove infused slice of gargantuan Death Metal that is constructed from heaving rhythms, seriously arresting staccato theatrics and arpeggios that will leave you reeling in a state of elation. This is perhaps my favorite track in an EP that is all killer and no filler. The dual leads, vein bursting double kick devastation and artery rupturing vocals herein are volcanic! Witness the classy breakdown come the latter half of this song and be crippled accordingly.
Positively volcanic, ‘Bloodmoon Immolation’ is a a veritable sledgehammer to the face. Filled to the brim with an array of technical flourishes and dynamic, expressive musicianship, this powerful track, one that ends with a lilting baroque inspired melody, is uncompromising and mighty!
‘Primordial Instinct’ concludes its runtime with the corrosive bonus track ‘Cremation Station’, a stunning display of sonic power.
Folks, the latest EP courtesy of The Fallen Prophets is emblematic of the fact as to why they are considered one of South Africa’s most revered Death Metal heavyweights. Their confluence of crushing Brutal Death Metal, musical prowess and unbridled ferocity is a force to be reckoned with and certainly not a force to be trifled with.
-Asher Locketz-