Death metal is traditionally the most represented genre present on Brutal Assault. And it is as vast as it is varied. Here are the bands that you will be able to hear in the fortress Josefov this year.
Polish tank Vader is one of the best local export bands and one of the best death metal bands out there. There, we’ve said it. Led by Peter Wiwczarek with an iron hand since 1983, they kept the momentum from the very beginning. Producing albums, tirelessly touring, they are the literal pillar of the Central European death metal scene. And even after 4 decades of touring their performances are still killer as ever. Definitely a must-see.
Cryptopsy are veterans of the Canadian brutal death metal scene and need no prior introduction. They are celebrating 30 years of their “None So Vile” album and are more than ready to share the joy. And since their shows are famous for explosive energy, chaos and a sound ferocious enough to destroy a wall of the venue, we suspect the party will be formidable.
Septic Flesh is finally back in Josefov after 10 long years! They effortlessly blend death metal harshness with orchestral elements to elevate the sound into epic grandeur of a metal opera. You say “too dramatic”? We say “and that’s the point of it!”. On top of that, their shows rarely disappoint so better mark them on your agenda.
Grave will be returning to the Fortress after playing there last year. This time however they will be performing a special set, including their first albums, “Into the Grave”, “You’ll Never See…”, and “Soulless”. A real treat for fans of one of the Swedish death metal “Big Four”!
If we talk death metal classics, we can’t forget New York’s own Immolation. They are very straight to the point – they come, play and conquer, each and every time. They are back at Brutal Assault after three years and they’ll be promoting their new release “Descent”.
Another special set, this time from Florida’s very own Monstrosity. They haven’t received the huge mainstream recognition as some of their peers at the time. But for the sheer dedication to the craft and plenty of consistently good releases they are more than worthy of Brutal Assault attention. This time they’ll be performing their earlier albums, “Imperial Doom” and “Millennium”.
Time for some fresh blood and let us start with American 200 Stab Wounds. Despite their young age and mere two albums under their belts, they feel as if they belonged with the 90s death metal giants. They absolutely don’t beat around the bush, they deliver a simple hook of crushing sound on the face. Because life is about simple pleasures sometimes.
Denmark has always been in the shadow of Sweden and Norway in the metal department. This is slowly changing thanks to young bands like BAEST. They started by playing music very much in the vein of Entombed and Bloodbath, then slowly started incorporating more 80s influences in their songs as presented on their latest release “Colossal”. Their core is still very much death metal – the band is having a blast experimenting to their hearts content. They’re also an excellent live band so be sure to catch them in the Fortress. They’re rad.
While BAEST are under stronger influence from Scandinavian death metal giants, their colleagues from Chaotian seem to be more fond of American counterparts. Early Suffocation anyone? We mean this in the best way possible though. Chaotian is nasty, grimey, chonky and will break a bone or two in the pit.
Iotunn is next on the list of new bands from Denmark. They play a very epic variant of progressive death metal with quite epic proportions and otherworldly flair. Despite their young age, they handle quite a variety of lyrical subjects so there are many flavours to distinguish and enjoy while listening to them. A cherry on top would be the massive voice of their singer, Jón Aldará, also known as vocalist of the more familiar project which is Barren Earth.
Illdisposed is one of the earlier danish melodic death metal representatives as they started playing back in 1991. A classic that should be known to anyone expressing even mild interest in the scene. Throughout their bulky discography they experimented with other influences on their music while remaining unbelievably solid and groovy.
Mordloch is another representative of fresh blood, this time from Czechia. Dirty, nasty and gritty are the adjectives that come to mind after listening to their EP. Which coincidentally are all the hallmarks of an excellent death metal group, so the band definitely put their best foot forward. New challenger on the scene? Seems very much so!
Here’s a slamming fivesome for a change of scenery. First, let’s take a look at the first American band from the bunch, Internal Bleeding. One would say they were pioneers of the genre and don’t think of retiring any time soon. Also they are still perfectly capable of teaching their loyal disciples how it’s actually done. To quote a classic – they will come; they will rip; and they will conquer. IB’s colleagues from Devourment started a few years later but are also considered one of the founding fathers of slam and brutal death metal. Their impact on further generations is not to be underestimated. They rarely record an LP but when they do, better take cover.
Thirdly, South African Vulvodynia joyfully balance on the border of death metal, deathcore and slam while being on their quest to become, quote “the most brutal and hardest metal ever to come out of Africa”. They quickly gained notoriety for a good reason – they weren’t messing around and kept their word to a T. Fourth of the fivesome, Americans from Peelingflesh are mixing slamming deathcore with hiphop elements while being hellishly groovy at the same time. Despite being formed fairly recently, in 2021 they sound like seasoned members of the scene. Sanguisugabogg are fifth of the slam polygon, also from the States. Think of them like a mix of sledgehammer and a stand up skit because of their tongue and cheek lyrics but with downtuned guitars and guttural vocals. Very raw, very direct, very absurd.
Let us steer away to more complex forms of death metal – tech death. Revocation is a prime example of it. Their technical virtuosity with instruments is nothing but extraordinary in live conditions. Add to that thrash elements alongside intricate solos and here you have a recipe for a grand show.
Spain is not the first country that comes to mind if you think of technical death metal, but here’s Wormed to prove you wrong! They mix the grit, the technique, progressive elements and sci-fi lyrical subjects to create a unique experience of showing how far one can push metal threshold.
“Phenomenal Technicological Astrodeath” is quite the description, but suits Cryptic Shift to a T. What makes it more unusual is that the UK does not seem like a hotspot for extraterrestrial activity, but alas! Leeds quartet blends effortlessly intergalactic voyage with clockwork precise technical death metal with little sprinkle of thrash on it.
Sadistic Intent is more of a classic death metal band who are to celebrate their 40 year anniversary. Slightly underrated, they kept their identity and music almost completely intact throughout their career. Their shows are no frills, no fireworks type of affair, but it’s only to their advantage. So If you would like to dabble in 90s style LA death metal in the vein of early Morbid Angel – give them your attention. You won’t be disappointed.
Another Czech act, well established Sněť gives away what one can expect based on the name alone. Naming themselves after mold directs the listener to more muddy, nasty areas of death metal, reminiscing of a damp basement and something that decayed in the corner five years ago. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Veterans of the US scene, Deceased hope on the scale somewhere between death and thrash metal. Also little underrated like Sadistic Intent, they as well kept their sound almost intact since the very beginning, being loyal to their roots. And since they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary there’s plenty of history to be loyal too.
Dusk is one of the earlier death doom hybrids. Their anguished synths work really well as a counterpoint to more grittier parts of the compositions in order to create a really sombre atmosphere.
Brought to life by Paul Kuhr, November’s Doom are Dusk’s colleagues in being one of earlier representatives of their respective styles in America. Their death doom is the main core of the compositions, but they escape categorisation by exploring various other musical styles. Be it progressive music, folk or classic rock, they managed to create a hunting solemn atmosphere in their songs which are impossible to forge.
German trio Deserted Fear is a true powerhouse. They keep the balance of furious and groovy at the same time like absolute champs. They say their shows are pretty energetic, so it’s worth putting them on the festival agenda.
Finnish Insomnium will be back in Fortress after three years. Their melodic death metal is full of gorgeous juxtapositions that allow more flavour to their compositions. While being lyrically quite sombre, they have excellent energy on stage which always gathers quite a crowd.
Czech Nahum is a consistent member of the local death metal scene since 2004 and is the most musically honest band. It’s pure unadulterated death metal mix with generous amounts of thrash metal thrown into the mix. Plus they have the necessary energy to grab the crowd by the throat. So in other words – keep your tabs on them.
Altars Ablaze is another Czech project, this time leaning towards black metal with an apparent death metal core. Extremely furious, rampant and uncompromising. They absolutely take no prisoners during the show, so be aware.
Patriarcha is a Slovak band that started in melodic death metal territory (as per the most recent album) however they confidently head towards blackened death metal on their newer singles. They are a really competent band who will show what they are capable of during their performance. Spoiler – a lot.
