Chicago-based Necronomicon Ex Mortis have unleashed their horror-infused death metal with the release of their latest EP, “The Mother of Death”. Clocking in at just under 18 minutes, this brief but ferocious blast of blackened thrash and melodic death metal delivers a visceral punch that will thrill fans of the macabre and extreme.
Right from the opening track, “Trick or Treat”, the band establishes their trademark sound: shredding riffs, relentless double bass, and brutal vocals. The track is a gory delight, and while the production is tight and well-mastered, it has that raw “session recording” energy that makes it feel immediate and alive. The next track, “Infestation,” takes inspiration from the video game Dishonored and continues the onslaught with eerie atmospheres and breakneck speed. The riffs are relentless, and Craig Schumul’s vocals add a layer of menace to the already sinister soundscape.
“The Mother of Death”, the title track inspired by The Conjuring 3, showcases their ability to fuse cinematic horror storytelling with aggressive riffage and bone-crushing intensity. The interplay between guitarists Michael Nystrom Bala and Manuel Barbara shines, delivering intricate solos and tight, melodic leads.
A curious inclusion on such a short EP is “Itchy. Tasty.”, a brief instrumental filler inspired by Resident Evil. While it serves the narrative horror theme well, it disrupts the momentum of the otherwise blistering EP. Fortunately, Necronomicon Ex Mortis quickly recover with the closing track, “Salem’s Lot”, which is an epic homage to Stephen King’s iconic novel. It encapsulates everything that makes Necronomicon Ex Mortis compelling; riff-driven madness, horror themes, and an unrelenting pace. The song’s structure takes the listener on a thrilling ride, with shifts between blackened ferocity and melodic interludes. Joey Ferretti’s drumming deserves a special mention, providing the backbone of the EP with precision and power.
Despite the brevity of the EP, “The Mother of Death” leaves a lasting impression. The production, handled by Charlie Waymire, is crisp and polished, allowing each instrument to shine without losing the raw energy that death metal demands. While the inclusion of a spoken-word track may not be to everyone’s taste, it does fit the band’s overall horror aesthetic.
In conclusion, Necronomicon Ex Mortis have crafted an EP that merges old-school death metal with modern production and cinematic storytelling. The band’s love for horror is palpable, and their ability to fuse these themes with ferocious metal is commendable. While the filler track detracts slightly, the overall package is a brutal, entertaining, and technically proficient offering. If you’re a fan of The Black Dahlia Murder, At the Gates, or Obscura, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Rating: 7/10
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Label: Self Released
Writer: Andy Baqone
Tracklist:
- Trick or Treat
- Infestation
- The Mother of Death
- Itchy. Tasty.
- Salem’s Lot
