“Will the hands that formed my soul embrace me on the day?”
Self-described as ‘spirit-filled beatdown,’ South California’s Cultist are an interesting dichotomy. Though they are a faith-based band, their crushingly hefty sound and candidly despondent lyrics present a side to existence that isn’t often associated with the label (not to mention the band’s name). Having previously released an EP and a handful of singles, with a sound that draws parallels to many beatdown and deathcore-adjacent contemporaries such as The Last Ten Seconds Of Life and Bodysnatcher, Cultist have been slowly chugging their way to their debut full-length.
The result, Slow Suicide, pulls absolutely no punches, with the title track serving as a punchy flag-off. Its grim lyricism about depression are an impactful combination with the descending chugs in the instrumentals. The haunting line “you will die when I want you to” is punctuated throughout the song, akin to the voice that can be in the back of a struggling person’s mind.
“Preacher III” is an instant highlight, a direct callout at corrupted evangelists. The subject matter is confronted without any restraint, with lines like “What will Christ do when you rape his sheep? When He shows everyone the lies you keep?” sending a clear and unfiltered message. The track also features a well-placed vocal spot from Christian Roche of Diamonds To Dust, bringing his signature shriek screams to leave even more of a lasting impression at the end.
“I Fear Your Silence” provides some variety to the album with its slower pace. Its eerie, open intro builds slowly back into the noise, appearing again in the middle to break up the sound and offer additional texture. Vocalist Jon Davenport puts forth an impressive performance, with his satisfyingly aggressive screams (and remarkable enunciation for the style) being a major strength to the record.
With its menacing 6/8 time signature, “Suffering By My Own Hand” continues the album’s theme of dealing with one’s own despair; its bleak lyrics serving as an honest confessional of how we can often be our own adversary. The track recruits Jeremy Schaeffer of Earth Groans, utilizing his signature aggressive vocal style to add weight to the track. Brooding and slow, closer “Last Breath of a Dying God” sends the album off on an appropriately heavy note. With its desperate feel and lyrics, it truly encapsulates the sound of the record. Dissonant leads contribute accurately to the emotion of the track and, by extension, Cultist’s overall sound.
Slow Suicide is a record that is bold in its approach and intentions, and it achieves the sound it wants effectively. There is clarity in this record’s sound, both in lyrical honesty and sonically, with its mix allowing all elements to be heard. Cultist isn’t afraid of stepping on people’s toes, and the record can surely create ripples in the faith-based metal scene. Although it doesn’t push the envelope, it arguably doesn’t need to, as it utilizes the hallmarks of the genre to lethal effect.
8/10
Slow Suicide releases on the 21st of July via Facedown Records. Pre-order the album here.