EP Review: The Fallen Prophets – Primordial Instinct (Self Released)

South Africa’s death metal titans The Fallen Prophets will unleash their new EP ‘Primordial Instinct’ on November 1st, 2024. The EP acts as a prequel to their previous album Perpetual Damnation, continuing the dark narrative established by the ominous figure featured on the artwork. The lyrics delve into the origins of this entity, exploring the offerings made to summon it into existence.

There is a thick layer of darkness covering this EP and you don’t need to be familiar with The Fallen Prophets or their previous work to feel that. Which does mean, if it is your first experience of the band, that the acoustic guitar intro of opening track Beneath the Veil of Flesh might be something of a surprise when you’re expecting something more visceral.

It’s unexpected, but interesting, especially as the cacophony of noise that follows is more familiar. The Fallen Prophets unleash hell from this point on, all via the guttural sound of groove-infused death metal, with some twists and turns along the way. The ferocity showcased here transitioning into the following title track, where that aforementioned darkness gets that little bit thicker. The speed of the drums, the savagery of the riffs, and the brutal delivery of the vocals makes this one savage sounding death metal track.

Then there is The Wretched Offering, where The Fallen Prophets vary up the tempo but make their brutal sound even meatier. The highlight of this track being the guitar soloing. Followed by Bloodmoon Immolation and some of the EPs nastiest vocals. The Fallen Prophets do have moments of tempered heaviness on this track, but it is still a notably vicious listen.

Finally, to wrap up a very satisfying listen, there’s the bonus track of Cremation Station. A nonsensical blast of brutality that pummels and pounds in chaotic fashion, The Fallen Prophets reaching new levels of unexpected speed, but also showcasing some exciting nuances to their sound. It’s a ballsy bonus, especially as the previous four tracks delivered more than enough manic death metal to sate the hungriest of beasts.

The Fallen Prophets – Primordial Instinct Track Listing:

1. Beneath the Veil of Flesh
2. Primordial Instinct
3. The Wretched Offering
4. Bloodmoon Immolation
5. Cremation Station (Bonus Track)

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