Album Review: Pathology – Unholy Descent (Agonia Records)

American brutal death metal four-piece Pathology, feat. drummer extraordinaire Dave Astor (ex-cofounder of Cattle Decapitation), will release their new, and 12th album, ‘Unholy Descent’ on May 17th, 2024, via Agonia Records.

It doesn’t get more relentless than this, even if the big cinematic intro suggests otherwise. Pathology are back and sounding beastlier than ever with an album that tells tales of ancient aliens, demonic powers and social issues. It’s Unholy Descent, and it’s going to wreck you.

It’s not just the brutish style of death metal that makes this album such an animal though, it’s the searing technical edge that cuts through the entire thing. Pathology continue to develop and try new things, adding touches of melody here and there to keep the ruthless heaviness fresh. After all, there are 13 tracks (including the intro) here, and that’s one hell of a pummelling.

Of course, the mind is beaten into mush, but not to the extent that it becomes deadened to their savage metal approach. There are far too many nuanced moments, too many notable twists and turns, and too much gaudy heaviness to not be constantly invested. This is brutal death metal with a very listenable edge. Although those of a more nervous disposition might find that laughable.

Unholy Descent is for fans of ferocity, for those who want to feel like they’ve been dragged by their heels, naked, down a gravel hill by a speeding truck. It’s for those who want to feel bloodied and bruised, abused aurally by a record, and that is what Unholy Descent offers.

The speed at which it flies by, track after track spat out with the force of a brick dropped from a skyscraper, is impressive. Pathology don’t hang around, finding new and devious ways to attack time and time again. To say they’ve honed their craft is to underplay the tightness of this record. Pathology’s form is undeniable, and each member has thrown their all into making this record sound very special.

Brutal death metal at its best, from a band beyond capable of keeping it fresh and exciting, it’s as simple as that.

Pathology – Unholy Descent Track Listing:

1. Intro
2. Cult of the Black Triangle
3. Hermetic Gateways
4. Psychotronic Abominations
5. Summon the Shadows
6. Whispers of the Djinn
7. Archon
8. Malevolent Parasite
9. Diabolical Treachery
10. Demons in the Aether
11. Punishment Beyond Comprehension
12. Apostles of Fire
13. A World Turned to Ashes

Links

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