Combining the speed of thrash, evil of death, groove of hardcore and a touch of beatdown, have the 5-piece landed themselves in the golden ratio of metal? Or has the task of merging subgenres proved too great a struggle? Journey through the ten-tracks and find out.
Album opener ‘To The Hounds Go The Faithful’ lays down speed and energy in foundations which are built upon with slower tempo, truly evil sounding heavier vocals and guitar work. The early section of this album feeds the hunger of the thrash demon inside all metalheads. ‘Mask of Sorrow’ is a tidal wave of smart guitar work paired with clean and machine-like drumming execution. Blastbeats and pained vocal delivery create a terrifying atmosphere in much of this track and this feeling is carried on through the entirety of the album. ‘Vulture Culture’ continues the salvo of constant riffage so far, straight out of Slayer’s textbook. The first five songs of Servants of Violence are very thrash-heavy, loading the chamber with speed and firing from the hip relentlessly. Although yielding great results, those who like their metal slower or more experimental might find themselves satisfied already. The second half of the album, however, is certainly more varied in its offerings and should quell any concerns.
Visceral riffs open up the sixth track of the album – ‘Wading Through The Dead and Deceased’. A nasty song title that paints an image matching the guitar work and vocals which are, quite honestly, satanically evil. The deep gutturals of the middle section, alternating high tempo riffs with aggressive chugs, ensure that this will surely be the standout track of the album for many listeners. The title track ‘Servants of Violence’ is a death metal icon, executed with all the features of the unhinged horror that death and thrash bands forever endeavor to perfect. ‘Sentenced to Death’ piledrives even more raw thrash into the face of all in its way, but pairs it with two-step groove and beatdown-esque segments that make it a track destined to cause some hospitalisations in the pit. This track in particular puts a nail in the coffin of any potential doubts that Casket Feeder are able to merge death metal and hardcore in impeccable fashion.
Once ‘Edge of Collapse’ closes off the album and the listener is afforded respite from the unhinged chaos of this album, reflection can be made. Casket Feeder, a band who are relatively small in the scene, created an album that boasts maturity and understanding of the elements that make death metal and hardcore so great. Perhaps the thrash may be too relentless for some people’s liking? A valid point to make, but one that pales in comparison to the fact that to those with a taste for bands like Power Trip, Slayer, or even Death – this album is perfect. A valiant effort and an album worthy of many listens.