EP Review: Dragkhar – The Endless Howling Abyss (Craneo Negro Records/Nameless Grave Records)

California Death Metal Horde Dragkhar have turned up the intensity and unleashed violence in its most lethal form on The Endless Howling Abyss, their forthcoming EP. Out on July 27th, the EP will be released digitally, as well as on CD format by Craneo Negro Records (500 copies) and on cassette through Nameless Grave Records (75 copies).

A harrowing journey through 20 minutes of pure Hell, Dragkar’s influences are drawn from the early sound of Greek black and death metal. Four tracks of horror-fuelled heaviness that pulls no punches, The Endless Howling Abyss is rooted firmly in the old school.

That does mean it does sound a little dated and while seriously solid, it’s hard to get too excited about another take on the classic blackened death scene.

Not to suggest it’s a bad EP, that’s not the case at all. While Traversing the Abyss comes and goes without much of a spark, the increased tempo of Swallowed by the Dark at least ups the energy and Eternal Disintegration (Of the Body And Of The Mind) shows off some enlightened riffing.

Ending stronger then it began, Fading into Emptiness shows a lot more promise as the heaviness becomes more structured and sounds more focused allowing the relentlessness to consume you rather then wash over you.

Dragkhar – The Endless Howling Abyss Full Track Listing:

1. Traversing the Abyss
2. Swallowed by the Dark
3. Eternal Disintegration (Of the Body And Of The Mind)
4. Fading into Emptiness

You can order the EP via Bandcamp now. Find out more by checking out their Facebook Page and following them on Instagram.