BY STEVE THIRIOT
Karras, named after the intriguing character of Father Damian Karras from the iconic horror film, The Exorcist, has embarked on a sinister, atmospheric journey with their sophomore album, "We Poison Their Young." Like their namesake, Karras's music is a compelling amalgamation of horror, darkness, and evolution, blending punk-crust, grindcore, and raw early '90s death metal. With their latest offering, the French trio thrusts listeners into an abyss of demonic narratives and aggressive soundscapes.
From the very beginning, "Prelude to Depth" sets a tone of impending doom, clocking in at 2:13, and offering a foreboding introduction to the dark tales that follow. With each track, Karras crafts an atmosphere that is as claustrophobic as it is expansive, leaving the listener gasping for air amidst the relentless onslaught of sonic brutality.
Drawing inspiration from the eerie 1940s tale of Roland Doe, a teenager believed to be a victim of demonic possession, Karras delves into narratives filled with malevolence and darkness. The band’s exploration of such sinister themes is aptly reflected in tracks like "Roland Doe" and "The Hermit's Anger," where the aggression of the music perfectly complements the horror of the stories they tell.
Each song is a furious, unrelenting attack, with tracks like "Lutheran Blade" and "New Pariah" showcasing the band's ability to seamlessly blend punk-crust rhythms with the raw aggression of early death metal. The intensity only escalates with "Demons Got Rhythm," a mere 9 seconds of chaotic brilliance, and "Ritual Overdose," a 2:05-minute sonic onslaught that is nothing short of breathtaking.
"Fear Me, Go Fast" and "The Ouija" keep the adrenaline pumping, with rapid-fire riffs and demonic growls that seem to echo from the depths of hell. "My Aim Is Violence" is a brutal, 51-second declaration of the band’s musical ethos, leaving no room for respite.
"Final High" and "Negative Life" conclude the album on a high note, with the latter being the longest track at 3:02 minutes. These final pieces leave the listener with a sense of closure, yet an undeniable craving for more of Karras’s dark, atmospheric soundscapes.
Diego Janson’s vocals are a highlight throughout the album, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already aggressive music. His ability to convey the darkness and horror of the album’s themes is commendable, making "We Poison Their Young" a truly immersive experience.
"We Poison Their Young" by Karras is atmospheric and aggressive music. It is a brutal, unrelenting journey through darkness and malevolence, and a testament to the band’s ability to evolve and push boundaries. For those who revel in the sinister and the intense, this album is a must-listen. Like Father Damian Karras, the band Karras is a force to be reckoned with, and "We Poison Their Young" is a demonic symphony that will haunt listeners long after the final note has played.
Listen to the Album on SPOTIFY