BY STEVE THIRIOT
"Vault of Horrors" by Belgian death metal leviathans Aborted is a monstrously brutal soundtrack to a nightmare, unflinchingly cementing their status as overlords of aural horror and mayhem. Each track in this blood-curdling symphony is a malevolent ode to the dark corners of horror cinema, with the band's signature sonic savagery on full, merciless display.
Dreadbringer - A colossal opener, this track sets the tone with relentless drumming and guttural vocals. It's like being chased through a graveyard by an unseen terror.
Condemned To Rot - True to its name, this track is a decaying feast of riffs and blast beats. The guitar work here is not just heard; it infects you, an auditory rot that's both disturbing and exhilarating.
Brotherhood of Sleep - A sinister, almost ritualistic offering. It's a descent into madness, showcasing the band's ability to create an atmosphere thick with impending doom.
Death Cult - A tribute to 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' it's a frenetic bloodbath of sound. The vocals slice through the mix like Leatherface's chainsaw, relentless and unforgiving.
Hellbound - This track drags you to the depths of inferno. The tempo shifts are like the changing circles of hell, each more terrifying than the last.
Insect Politics - Here's where Aborted shows off their technical prowess. The intricate guitar work buzzes and writhes like a swarm of locusts over an apocalyptic landscape.
The Golgothan - A disgustingly heavy homage to the 'shit demon'. It's a track that's as revolting as it is compelling, filled with sludgy riffs and bowel-churning growls.
The Shape Of Hate - A nod to 'Halloween,' this track is like being stalked by Michael Myers. The relentless pacing and sudden bursts of speed mirror the heart-pounding suspense of the film.
Naturom Demonto - There's an eerie, almost supernatural quality to this track. It's like an incantation, with each verse drawing you deeper into the darkness.
Malevolent Haze - Closing the album, this song is a dense, oppressive fog of sound, suffocating and inescapable. It's a fitting end to a journey through horror's most twisted tales.
"Vault of Horrors" is absolutely brutal triumph in the genre of death metal, a testament to Aborted's enduring legacy as genre pioneers. Each track is a grotesque work of art, marrying technical brilliance with raw, emotional ferocity. This album doesn't just pay tribute to horror classics; it stands as one itself, a brutal, bloody masterpiece that will haunt listeners long after the final note has died away.
Album Drops March 15th via Nuclear Blast Records