Album Review: Olkoth – At The Eye Of Chaos (Everlasting Spew Records)
Formed in 2016 by Zach Jeter (also in Imperivm and Lecherous Nocturne) and Vance Jeffcoat (RIP 1981-2017) in Columbia, Olkoth set out to create a unique and brutal blend of death and black metal. The band’s music and themes take inspiration from the occult, horror, mythology, and corruption throughout history. In 2020, the band returned with a new line-up to produce new music true to its brutal and blackened roots.
Their debut album ‘At the Eye of Chaos’ will be released by Everlasting Spew Records on CD/tape and digital formats on May 26th, 2023.
Making the noise of triple of their numbers, the three-piece that is Olkoth are on fire here. A blackened and flesh-melting fire that features eight massive death-heavy tracks. Where the guitars and drums are downright abusive, and the vocals are akin to demons howling in the dark depths of Hell.
Yes, this is a very heavy album and rooted in the blackened death genre, but Olkoth have technical abilities and impressive mastery of their instruments. The result is an album packed with wicked intent, and ferocious sounds. Where a high point like the blistering brutality of opener Alhazred doesn’t mean the rest of the album is found lacking.
Not when there are tracks like the volatile Incendiary Prayer. Not when there is such a cacophony as The Resurrectionist makes. Or when there’s something so wickedly aggressive as Thousand Faced Moons and darkly twisted as To Eat the Lotus. Across all these tracks Olkoth showcase non-stop hyperactive intensity.
Yet, it is so delightful because of how adept they are at making this level of noise so palatable. So much so that the latter section of the album is still as interesting as what came before. Eidolon in the Flames, Lords of the Kali Yuga, and At The Eye of Chaos. A trio of terminally aggressive blackened death heavyweights.
Brilliantly brutish stuff from this band.
Olkoth – At the Eye of Chaos Track Listing
1. Alhazred
2. Incendiary Prayer
3. The Resurrectionist
4. Thousand Faced Moon
5. To Eat of the Lotus
6. Eidolon in the Flames
7. Lords of the Kali Yuga
8. At The Eye of Chaos
Links
Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Everlasting Spew Records
Olkoth - At The Eye Of Chaos (Everlasting Spew Records)
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The Final Score - 9/10
9/10