Volturyon: Cleansed By Carnage

Hailing from the outskirts of Stockholm in Sweden, you could be forgiven for presuming that Volturyon would be steeped in the sound that takes its name from that city. However the death metal that this lot purvey feels a little less manic, less full on, and ultimately a whole lot more considered and controlled. While many bands come and go as comparison (Vomitory or Centinex for example), the main touching point could be seen as Cannibal Corpse. Not exactly a bad starting point admittedly, but then neither is it the most innovative of attacks or outlooks.

Still, that could be said for most bands these days, so let's not give Volturyon a hard time for that minor failing and instead dig down deep into a solid burst of galloping kick drums, thick lashings of ear lacerating throat outbursts and slabs of guitar that explode intently on impact. Eight years after their debut, this latest outing is the band's third full length effort and with room to bring some genuinely ear snagging guitar solos and the knowledge and skill to constantly alter the focus and tempo of their offer, Cleansed By Carnage makes for a decidedly confident and hard hitting affair.

In mid-paced mode "Swiping Salvation" knows how to sit astride power blasts and considered swipes, whereas at something approaching full pelt, "Fungus Coat" proves that when the mood takes them, this five-piece can put their refinement to one side and go for the throat. However it's when they add a little groove to the pot that "The Capital Of Perverse Punishment" or "Pile Of Human" begin to sound like frighteningly enticing concoctions. A cover of Hypocrisy's "Pleasure Of Molestation" brings things to a conclusion, a convincing aside sounding like it happily belongs with this band's main message, while not quite stealing the show.

With ex or current members of Vholdghast, Contortion, Centinex, Ages and Axis Of Despair in their number, it's no surprise that the latest offering from Volturyon is an engaging, convincing slice of aggression. And yet with that cast list, you'd also maybe expect something just a little more stand out from the crowd. However we said we wouldn't beat them with that stick, so let's not start now, this is a solid album that's hits in all the right places.

Track Listing
1. Pile of Human
2. To Starve You
3. Cleansed by Carnage
4. Swiping Salvation
5. Fungus Coat
6. Hinterkaifeck
7. Cocoon
8. The Perfidious Idol
9. The Capital of Perverse Punishment
10. Pleasure of Molestation (Hypocrisy cover)

Added: January 30th 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Volturyon on Facebook
Hits: 1431
Language: english

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