Label: Hells Headbangers Records
Date: October 18th, 2024
The news that almost a whole decade of waiting is finally over struck me like a thunderbolt right between my eyes! My favorite Australian death squadron is back and with some vengeance to sow! After all, it’s been nine years since “Opprobrium” and the world has become an even nastier place to exist. It’s high time to sort through the scum of the Earth and “Indomitable” seems to be our weapon of choice.
The assault actually begins already at the front cover. As if there was any doubt if Mr. Mark Riddick will deliver a piece of blasphemous magnificence in spectacular detail, finishing in the arrow’s tip adorned by Destruktor’s own inverted cross. Taking a breather after closely examining it will be the last one for a while, since the Aussie trio won’t let down!
A barrage of extreme riffage, supported by drumming artillery is just about what’s on offer today. Maniacally aggressive death thrashing, with a sensible hint of blackened death metal, that’s the manifest these destructors from down under are following for well over two decades now. Most of the record consists of guitar riffs that are traditional and somehow familiar and close to abominable hearts, but still fresh and driving as if the genre was only discovered yesterday. Same goes for the drumming which follows patterns of the musical style it strives for, yet hits all the right skins and cymbals for any fan out there. And a few real sweet spots that almost casually turn the fuel hose towards the flames. Bass guitar is somewhat of a surprise, since it has a tendency to sound as if haunted, especially in the slower segments of songs. Together with a few really creative moments it gives out a specific vibe. Behold the “duel” before the storm in “Beyond the Bleakness” or the frighteningly heavy “Reap What You Sow” for reference. The later especially holds a number of very interesting parts, on guitar in particular, with a bud of a solo that’s allowed to wither away.
“Reap What You Sow” intrigues for one more reason. Though not exclusive specifically for this track (see “Writhe in Pain“), a hint of primordial rock ‘n’ roll makes an appearance here, too. I’m talking about the glory days of Motörhead, of course. The whiskey-soaked filth atop of Chuck Berry’s standard. Destruktor doesn’t quite invent the concept, but not allowing themselves a dive into the death punk stream, by taking only what they need and therefore enriching their own soundscape… They’ve done a job and a half! Like I said, they are driving the listener, forcing a fierce headbang with a fist held up high.
Altogether, a highly energetic thirty three minutes of extreme metal for extreme metalheads. Destruktor is a band which has proven its creative imagination on the field of battle a long time ago. Compositions which form “Indomitable” are powerful, energetic and executed with undeniable conviction. They are a surefire way to light up the metal heart. Unless you’re into more sensitive directions. But it’s highly unlikely you’re even reading a review of a band with such a moniker if you’re not at least a tiny bit of an extreme metal freak. Being such, there’s really no excuse for missing out on “Indomitable”. Destruktor took their time throwing this album at us, but it was well-worth the wait.
