Album Review: Diabology – Father of Serpents (Dissonant Hymns Records)

Los Angeles-based thrash metal trio Diabology will release their sophomore album, Father of Serpents, on October 7th through Dissonant Hymns Records. It is the follow-up to the group’s well-received 2020 debut album, Nobody Believes Me.

Speaking about the album, Diabology says:

In writing Father of Serpents, we took the opportunity to explore different genres of metal and combine them in a way that would not alienate our following. Lyrically, the band explores a vast depth that encompasses mythology, fantasy, social issues, and having sex with cockroaches. In collaborating with producer Dave Kaminsky, we were pushed to musical boundaries beyond expectations. The result is 44 minutes of gut-wrenching, mind-blistering, in-your-face metal. Enjoy motherfuckers.

Coming out swinging, Diabology showcases their thrash credentials with serious aplomb on the head-banging blast of heaviness that is the title track. Although it has to be said, they’re certainly giving it their own spin, as the track has moody melody and clean vocals.

Writhe is a bit more straight-forward but that’s not a knock as it slays in the heavy department. Followed then by the wicked guitar groove and neck aching thump of The Softest Grave, the fist-pumping and feet-stamping beast that is Eat My Heart Out, and the brilliance of the short, instrumental middle point, Spoil. A collection of tracks that show Diabology at their finest.

Though, there’s nothing to complain about in the second half either as Diabology hit their heavy stride with the chunky Blackblood. Before causing excessive carnage with the combination of wicked guitar groove, crunchy percussion and scathing vocals on March to Sea. One of the album’s best tracks.

Although the pure, raging intensity of Ode to Ogtha, a track that carefully shifts into melodic states and back again, is certainly a strong contender too.

Diabology then wraps up their excellent sophomore record with two heavyweight thrash-infused numbers. The bloody riffing, doomy tempo shifts, wild guitar soloing and snarling vocals of Chimera, and the sinister, cold and dark heaviness of Lighthouse Hymn. An impressive pairing to close out an impressive album.

Modern thrash metal done right.

Diabology – Father of Serpents Full Track Listing:

1. Father of Serpents
2. Writhe
3. The Softest Grave
4. Eat My Heart Out
5. Spoil
6. Blackblood
7. March to Sea
8. Ode to Ogtha
9. Chimera
10. Lighthouse Hymn

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