DEAD CONGREGATION - Promulgation of the Fall (2014)

Genre: Death metal

Label: Martyrdoom Productions

Rating: 9.5/10

Promulgation of the Fall is the album via which I discovered Dead Congregation. I intentionally bias myself towards Black Metal, so naturally a lot of good death metal escapes me. Not this time, however. These Greeks have hit the mark with this album.

It seems that Dead Congregation emphasises simplicity, at least on this album. It also seems to be severely lacking annoying melody, spurning harmonisations for straight-up, muder-dark riffage. It is not a chaotic or technical death sort of album, just honest death metal of the highest quality. It is refreshing. There are even solemn and tasteful leads, such as the one that starts the title track which, although a brief song, is perhaps the darkest on the album. It is on the whole an evil record. Dark splendour abounds. My personal favourite track may be “Nigredo.” I think it has the most malevolent riffs (which is saying something, which you'll find out when you listen to this magnificent album). The terminal song, “From a Wretched Womb,” has a wonderful sense of closure to it.

This album is what good death metal should sound like. Those wishing to purchase this album on CD can do so in a number of places now. Vinyl is available through :AJNA: Offensive. Absolutely buy or die.