It’s nearly impossible to navigate even baseline current events without your head wanting to explode in anger. Unless you’re all into fascism, which, if that’s the case, leave this fucking site now. For the rest of us, it’s been a dark journey into facing the worst of the human condition, or at least the rock bottom for what modern times has for us to endure.
Portland (the West Coast version) black/death metal power Drouth pack enough vitriol and fury into their third record “The Teeth of Time” to fill the world’s veins with anger and spite. While aiming their blades at power structure is not overtly mentioned in the bio materials, their Bandcamp page definitely solves any curiosity over where their allegiances lie. And don’t lie. On this album, the band—vocalist/guitarist Matt Stikker, guitarist/vocalist John Edwards, bassist/synth player Matt Solis, drummer Patrick Fiorentino—unleashes an onslaught over five tracks and 51 minutes that burn inside your chest and guts, priming you to battle back against any destructive force standing in your way. They’re also backed by guest vocalists and former Ludicra members Christy Cather and Laurie Sue Shanaman, who give this record an even deadlier edge.
“Hurl Your Thunderbolt Even Unto Death” starts by melting into the scene before the drums rip, and the rampage is on. Fiery shrieks ravage as the melodic leads pull you under the surface, exploring through fiery attacks and chaos. The force turns blistering and colorful, the screams torching as the end comes violently. “False Grail” barrels in, dealing punishment, howls snarling as the pace takes some interesting turns. Vicious thrashing is powered by the drums decimating, the guitars flooding through active zones that fill the senses, wrenching as the storm slowly subsides. “The Teeth of Time” runs a healthy 9:46 and rushes in, guitars spiraling and shrieks tearing, the pace getting meaner as it goes. Vocals scar as the tempo rushes, disarming screams rippling down your spine, the brutal force gaining steam as feral dashes haunt. Suddenly, a deluge opens, flooding with energy, hammering as you succumb to blurring.
“Through a Glass, Darkly” is an 8:49-long pounder starting with guitars raining generously, a chilling ambiance warning, and shrieks echoing as if they’re being transmitted from another dimension. The playing tingles and then fully engulfs, the screams chewing through your brain wiring, the attack taking on a progressive feel. Speed splinters as the drums split skulls, the intensity building to a numbing fury that surges and burns away. Ten-minute closer “Exalt, Ye Flagellant” is a dark, foreboding place as it starts, animalistic howls joining the fray, the stirring playing mashing your muscles as death growls dig under your ribcage. The playing washes into a reflective aura that is shattered with crazed cries and a whipping gust that blisters, blood racing through your veins. The rampage heads into the dark, mixing with hypnosis, trudging and hammering until your psyche finally is allowed a modicum of calm.
Drouth’s devastating power is on full display with “The Teeth of Time,” a record that digs deeper into their dark energies and responds with black and death metal that aims to ravage and power structure that dares get in their way. At a time when righteous anger is at an apex, this is music that is perfect for aligning with your own frustration and giving you an outlet for venting. This is deadly and menacing stuff that feels apocalyptic, and considering that reality is closer than some care to think, it’s proper music for poisonous times.
For more on the band, go here: https://drouth.bandcamp.com/
To buy the album, go here: https://drouth.bandcamp.com/album/the-teeth-of-time
For more on the label, go here: https://eternalwarfare.bandcamp.com/
Meat Mead Metal 