Album Review: Cleansing of the Temple – The Devil Knows My Name (Rottweiler Records)

Tearing their way out of Clemson, South Carolina like a caged beast bursting through the bars of its prison, come Cleansing of the Temple, a deathcore/slam death wrecking ball of rage. Having already made a powerful impact on the underground scene with their 2022 EP, ‘Slam 4 The Lamb’, Cleansing of the Temple are now poised to unleash their first full length album, ‘The Devil Knows My Name’, out on July 12th, 2024, via Rottweiler Records.

To the surprise of no-one, Cleansing of the Temple are unleashing hell with this, their debut full-length album. A nine-track (including a worrisome intro called Farther Along the Valley) beast of epic extreme metal proportions with an infusion of slam and hardcore to make it sound even more feral.

…and it is mighty f**king feral.

Barely containing their rage, the tension that exists in God of Hate is frightening, and no matter how often Cleansing of the Temple unleash a barrage of heaviness, it remains disturbing throughout. By time this track ends, the heart will be pounding in the chest painfully. Leading to the sound of the title track and the sound of death, destruction, and devilish intent. The slithering tempo, the scathing instrumental heaviness, and the sensational intensity of the vocals makes this unlike anything else on the album.

Which isn’t to suggest this is the peak of Cleansing of the Temple’s savagery, far from it, as Piss ‘n’ Spit and Sardis bring equal amounts of maiming heaviness and wild vocals. Then along comes Abwoon D’Bashmaya + A Time For War (Abwoon D’Bashmaya – The Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic) to deliver utter carnage. It’s nearly nonsensical in regards to how much heft this track has, turning into pure noise around the halfway point and expanding to the end with uncomfortable atmosphere.

From there, it’s a race to the finish with Cleansing of the Temple unleashing even more extreme sounds with I, Afflicted. Before daring to be a bit more modern and groovier with Stained Glass Blues, albeit, still in their inimitable ruthless way. Then wrapping up a killer listen with their most daring effort yet, Where Does Darkness Dwell When We Open Our Eyes. Daring because it is hilariously epic, features massive orchestration, and is the most extensive example of their mentally punishing ways. It doesn’t fit in the slightest when you look at what has come so far, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not thoroughly enjoyable.

Cleansing of the Temple – The Devil Knows My Name Track Listing:

1. Farther Along The Valley
2. God of Hate
3. The Devil Knows My Name
4. Piss ‘n’ Spit
5. Sardis
6. Abwoon D’Bashmaya + A Time For War
7. I, Afflicted
8. Stained Glass Blues
9. Where Does Darkness Dwell When We Open Our Eyes

Links

Spotify | Facebook | Rottweiler Records