Slaughterday
Ravenous

August 2014
Released: 2014, F.D.A. Rekotz
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Aaron Yurkiewicz

For some of us, old school is/was/will always be the only school. At least with bands like Slaughterday, we know that we’re in good company. The German duo’s latest EP, RAVENOUS, continues the old school revelry introduced on last year’s NIGHTMARE VORTEX with 3 original tracks and an Acheron cover to get your pulse racing and your head banging.



Stylistically the band owes a huge debt of gratitude to the early Swedish Eurodeath scene, as there are hints o’plenty of bands like Entombed and Dismember in their repertoire, particularly the opening title track. But the grit and growl that accompanies the tracks also recall moments of Unleashed, Massacre, and of course, Autopsy (hence their moniker, for those of you not paying attention), which collectively provide the tunes with some immediate familiarity without sounding overly nostalgic. Each of the 3 original tracks carry their own weight, but “Abyss of Nameless Fear” is the definite standout, with its balance of melancholy harmonies and gurgling filth. And the inclusion of “Ave Satanas” is a less obvious throwback and sounds just as menacing (if not moreso) than the original did 20 some years ago, so extra cool points for that.



Collectively, RAVENOUS runs in the neighborhood of 20 minutes, but it’s a ride worth taking and one that offers plenty of replay value. If you like your death metal smothered and covered in cobwebs and gore, Slaughterday have the goods for what ails ya. Check out RAVENOUS when it releases August 8th through the good folks at F.D.A. Rekotz.