Decrowning the Irenarch

Rising from amidst a blighted crop of mediocre and uninspired U.K. death and black metal bands, Spearhead are proving to be a welcome contrast to the growing legions of sub par, bedroom based DARKTHRONE imitators and CRADLE OF FILTH wannabes by releasing this intelligent and highly polished slice of blackened death metal.

Apparently, moving away from their black metal beginnings, 'Decrowning the Irenarch' has more of an 'epic death metal' feel to it. The quality of the production and recording (courtesy of Hertz Studio of Poland) is a significant step up from the somewhat 'crusty' sound of their previous releases which, although it may have pleased some of the more 'necro' crowd, took some of the edge from the band's rather technical approach.

Vocally, frontman Barghest, is stronger than ever with a venomous and spiteful growl reminiscent of Dave Vincent (MORBID ANGEL) and Jeff Walker (CARCASS). His bass guitar is audible in the mix which is an added bonus too. Guitarists Nephilim and Invictus lay down relentless barrages of quality metal riffs with a new level of technical prowess which only serves to enhance the brutality and sonic violence the band have aimed to deliver since their beginning (with Nephilim adding some surprisingly exotic sounding leads along with blazing old-school solo work). On the subject of relentless barrages, I feel I should also mention Vortigern's drumming which maintains a breakneck pace yet never overrides or dominates (as so many blast-beaters often feel they have to) and serves admirably to propel each track along with a suitably warlike feel.

Onto the songs themselves, I feel there is no single track that stands out especially as the band have taken great care to keep a consistent level of quality throughout and create an album that is more than simply a collection of individual songs but an entity in itself. Another refreshing change is that while SPEARHEAD's many influences are made apparent throughout, nothing is simply a rip-off and it all bears SPEARHEAD's distinctive mark. You'll just have to listen to it for yourself.

Over all, 'Decrowning...' is definitely worth giving a spin if you like 'military grade' metal with powerful, epic atmospheres and blast beats aplenty; a true call to war against mediocre metal!