“An escape from wishing I was dead”
Releasing their fourth studio album in Erebos, Venom Prison conjure up a masterclass in classic death metal with a modern take. Basing its theme off of aptly named Greek God “Erebos”, Venom Prison deliver the dark and chaotic concept in a homerun. With heavy hitters in lead single “Judges of the Underworld” and “Gorgon Sisters” to the heart ache of “Pain of Oizys”, Erebos encompasses a vast collection of well-composed and phenomenal tracks.
As with most modern albums nowadays, “Born from Chaos” acts as the introduction for what’s to come. Brooding ambience and instrumentally atmospheric, it makes for a wonderful transition as the album begins to unravel itself. Lead single “Judges of the Underworld” acts as the perfect start to attempt and drive Erebos’ message. Aggressively percussive and lyrically pissed off, this is a track that demands you to pay attention to it. Resonating sonically, it sports a depth in its instrumentals that matches its vocal content. Sludge-esque breakdowns scatter themselves sporadically, just when you think it couldn’t get any heavier.
How can imprisonment be a solution
If you’re trapped in a cycle of systematic oppression
With a segue into “Nemesis”, the momentum and impact is carried forward and further embraced. The pacing can be erratic at times leaving it to be disorienting, but it creates a refreshing listen-through. Its chaotic instrumentals are simply the embodiment of what makes “Nemesis” a tremendous track. Whether it be from the oddly placed choruses, sporadic dual guitar riffage and dive bombs placed between double-bass and tremolo picks, these elements make for each playthrough to be a new one.
Unveiling the first non-single in “Comfort in Complicity”, it holds a groove that can only be paralleled to a death metal version of Lamb of God’s “Redneck”. Utilizing a stylistic riff that is seemingly identical, it yet manages to create its own unique name’s sake. Having a largely earworm and iconic riff on the forefront before weening off into a melodically euphoric finish is a very bold move and pulled off excellently. It holds a delicate balance between technicality and groove spectacularly, making it one of my favourite tracks in the first half of the album.
Second single and aptly titled “Pain of Oizys” places itself in the centre of the album. Expressing itself with what can only be described as brutal elegance. Enshrouding itself in haunting cleans and dysphoric piano trills, it creates a conflicting battle within itself in contrast to the energetic and chaotic chorus. Lyrically structured around inner turmoil, it effectively nails the message on its head sonically as well. A sorrow filled experience, evoking many feelings of despair and helplessness in Larissa Stupar’s cleans, something that will haunt my dreams for a time coming.
When you cross the point of no return
Everything around me seems to burn
I can see myself for who I am, I am casting off pretence
And to this day nothing makes sense
I am more lonely in a crowd
And never dared to ask out loud
I can’t stand the noise inside my head
Act 2 of Erebos is headlined by “Golden Apples of the Hesperides”. Seemingly opening itself as a palette cleanser, it strings together a simple yet effective melody upon its soft-spoken background. However, its tonality is quickly shifted to the absolutely disgusting sound death metal listeners have become accustomed to. Explosive and destructive would be an understatement. Exercising intense speed in its drum work, you almost feel empathetically exhausted by its ferocity, leaving it to be impressive at the very least.
“Castigated in Steel and Concrete” keeps the ball rolling, making it noticeable that Erebos is only going to get heavier. It may not have the same explosive energy as its predecessor, but it holds its style to a higher consistency. High octane and catchy riffs synergize phenomenally with its contrast in beautiful solos. It embodies a well rounded track; easy to fall into and absorb yourself in the chilling harmonies.
Personal standout (and for good reason) “Gorgon Sisters” pulls out all the stops, if this album had any. Displaying absolute addicting riffage with unmatched groove and technicality, “Gorgon Sisters” is a perfect example of a wonderfully crafted death metal track. There is no dull moment in this track, albeit it evolves over its 5:01 length. Going from classic core riffs, to nasty breakdowns, topped off with an ethereal outro, the journey Venom Prison take you through in 5 minutes is world class and worthy of respect.
Beginning to orient itself towards the inevitable end of the album, “Veil of Night” shows no signs of slowing down what has been started. Stating that this is one of the softer tracks on the album by no means insinuates that it is not a heavy thrasher. Its initial riffage is able to entrance the listener, allowing them to get lost. It encompasses a listen that is not too extreme, but still holds a candle to the intensity of what has come before it.
Closing off this 10-track experience is “Technologies of Death”. Sporting fast paced and exhilarating drum work, you almost don’t expect it to be a closer. Not until it shifts in a symphonically driven direction does it begin to soar. Tying loose ends with a seamless callback to introduction track “Born from Chaos”, summarizes Erebos as a story meant to be played front to back. It fantastically slows down its pacing enough to leave the listener satisfied. All good things do have to come to an end.
Erebos is one of the most monumental death metal albums I have heard during my time in the scene. Crafted with masterfully done production, Venom Prison have unleashed an accessible album in the genre for any newcomers looking to get into the space.
10/10
Erebos is available now via Century Media Records and various streaming platforms here.