Remnants of Existence

From the deep and dark catacombs of the Greek underground death metal scene, the young band Blessed by Perversion emerges to blow my mind like no other band hadn't in quite some time. This is their follow-up album called “Remnants of Existence” which is kind of short; only 24 minutes and 33 seconds. Nevertheless, it felt like it was quite a journey into the catacombs of inhuman existence and original death metal.

“Descending to the catacombs” starts the record as an acoustic, mysterious, and occult intro that sets the mood for what’s to come. I felt like I was descending deep into caverns, tombs, and underground galleries full of rotten bodies and remnants of ancient civilizations now extinct. Once you are into the mood, the bands hit you in the face with “Gallery of Bones”. This track is full of tempo changes and interesting dynamics that will be the staple through the whole record. Zig-zagging guitar patterns and a monumental atmosphere almost solemn at times. I think that’s the Hellenic touch the band imprints into their death metal and it certainly works for good, makes their music feel original and fresh (believe me, that’s something difficult to find, especially in the death metal scene).

I consider that even though these musicians are pretty young, they're highly talented and skilled. The vocalization of the singer is outstanding it does not fall into gurgling or grunting, it’s guttural and brutal but understandable, guitars are sharp as blades that cut deep into your flesh as you are begging for more. The drum work is consistent and flawless throughout the whole record. The drummer plays in favor of the band’s songwriting and production, not against it. His skills are technical; however, he does not want to show off and overshadow the rest of the instruments. The bass is audible and I appreciate that fact. For instance, in the song “Atonement Refused”, which is my favorite song, by the way; the bass makes the production beefier and more ominous. I wanted more; I was craving for more after each tune! The record execrates death in a very refined and intelligent way, there is no need to exaggerate with gory lyrics. Each song is a little treasure to discover and every time I listen to “Remnants of Existence” I am more convinced of that idea. For example, songs like “Among the tombs of ancient gods” and “Caverns of torture” have many catchy riffs, killer drum patterns, and brutal lyrics that enrich the overall experience. The album is full of killer songs, there are no fillers or fat in this follow-up record. After a while into the catacombs of inhuman existence you just emerge at the end of the record to the surface of the earth only to face a mass extinction event with the track “Within monumental chaos”. The record closes with an epic, mid-tempo, and monumental song that evokes apocalyptic landscapes of mass human eradication. As I mentioned before the album blew my mind for its simplistic yet effective and catchy atmosphere. It is not pretentious or over-produced. The production lets the music breathe and the songs take their time to develop the lead motive, ideas are completed masterfully in each of the tracks. The band also draws influences from old-school death metal acts like Morbid Angel and Nile, however, keeping their own distinct and unique identity intact, they worship and respect but do not copycat.

All in all, the follow-up of Blessed by Perversion “Remnants of Existence” kept me entertained and blew my mind big time. I don’t want to exaggerate but with more production, these guys will become the next Nile! The music takes its time to breathe and develop in each song and the whole record feels organic and original. If I had listened to this record last year it would have entered my top five favorite albums of 2020. Blessed by Perversion is destined to kick serious ass in the next years, I think we will continue hearing from these guys and the third album will be even more brutal than this one. Highly recommended.