Album Review: Mad God – Grotesque and Inexorable (Self Released)

Grotesque and Inexorable is the 2nd full length release by Johannesburg doom metal band, Mad God. The band was formed in 2014 with the intention of bringing doom metal to South Africa, as it is one of the most underrepresented metal genres in the country. In in July 2015, Mad God released their first full length album titled Tales of a Sightless City and just over 3 years later they are back with Grotesque and Inexorable out on November 2nd 2018.

The booming heaviness of Mad Gods’ doom efforts here are awe-inspiring. Deliciously twisted and dark but thanks to the clean, gothic style of vocals comes across more ritualistic then bone-crushing. Look no further then the bludgeoning guitars of The DeZalze Horror that play off the early Sabbath-esque soaring vocal style.

It gets better and better with I Created God though, the rhythm is hypnotic in its slow and methodical pace. It’s not an easy task to stand out within the world of doom but by combining different eras, tones and styles, Mad God make a deep and bleak impression.

The filthy and oozing beat of The Crawling Chaos is one such track that will really stick with you. As will The Hunt Begins, long after the sombre and morose tones dissipate. Awe-inspiring.

Mad God – Grotesque and Inexorable Full Track Listing:

1. Haunting the Graves of the Unhallowed
2. The DeZalze Horror
3. I Created God
4. The Crawling Chaos
5. No Prayers, No Fires
6. The Hunt Begins

Head over to Mad God’s website to find out more and order the album. It is also available via Bandcamp and all streaming services. Keep up to date by liking the band’s Facebook Page, following them on Twitter, Instagram and subscribing to their YouTube Channel.