There truly is no shortage of death metal out there that is absolutely wreathed in awesome power the likes of which cannot be found in any other style across the entirety of the world of music, and it’s even then that a particularly standout display can provide us with a work that is no less than staggering. Many bands from all over the world have proven to be able to create the thick, nasty death metal that so many of us are constantly looking for, and I won’t be shy to admit that Lithuania would never be the first place I looked for such an act. And yet, it’s in those lands that Crypts of Despair slither out of.
An album’s title always has something to do with the material at hand with it meaning any one of multiple things, hence why it’s the damn title. But it’s when we get an album title that’s as straightforward and unashamed as “All Light Swallowed”, I cannot help but feel we already know what we’re getting into without having to even acknowledge that primeval cover art or hearing the no less than bloodthirsty music that Crypts of Despair brings in absolute heaps throughout the entirety of this performance. In every way, shape, and form, there isn’t a single iota of light that escapes the confines of this record to make these nine tracks nine exercises in gore, torment, and damnation the likes of which only a greatly equipped act that knows precisely what to do with such a weapon can wield properly. Without a doubt, Crypts of Despair is definitely well-equipped for the task. “All Light Swallowed” holds nothing back in any instance as we’re treated to one dazzling display of spraying blood after another as Crypts of Despair bash us repeatedly upside the head relentlessly with this downright visceral display of power that is not only gripping with its power and talent but also immensely satisfying as these musicians show no shame as they show us time after time that they are far from a new and inexperienced band on the scene with each of these tracks giving us plenty of reasons why they aren’t to be fucked with in any capacity.
There will always be bands that can deliver a satisfyingly brutal performance across all of death metal in every week of every month of every year so long as the style is still on a killing spree, but it’s here that Crypts of Despair not only impress but they set themselves apart with their talent that cannot be denied whatsoever as we’re constantly and consistently surprised by their might. “All Light Swallowed” is surely just the beginning for this band, and I can’t wait to see what glorious bloodshed comes next!
“All Light Swallowed” releases on April 23rd via Transcending Obscurity Records!
LISTEN to advanced tracks from “All Light Swallowed” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Crypts of Despair on Facebook here.
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