Sri Lankan Naga (Snake) worshipers Serpents Athirst have
been making quite a buzz in the Asian underground metal scene, with their
powerful raw black metal. After releasing a couple of demos, the band is
finally set to release its first MCD - Heralding Ceremonial Mass Obliteration
through Cyclopean Eye Productions, this month.
The album consists of 3 tracks, and clocks just over 12
minutes. The title track "Heralding Ceremonial Mass Obliteration" begins with a war themed intro, while a rite is being
read by a choir at the back. But, nothing prepares you for the onslaught that
hits head on as the track begins blasting with full ferocity. The drum keeps
blasting away in the background, while the vocals spit out filth, with full
anger.
“Ritual Vomiting”, the first single released of this record,
raises the tempo up a beat, with even more putrefied riffs and drum rolls. The
MCD closes with probably the best track on the album, “Congregation Decimation
(Cut-Throat)”. Continuing from the dark and raw vibes the previous track left,
the track changes the pace by venturing into slightly doom-ish black metal
territory, before spitting out one final venomous blow and ending with a
totally dead and rancid atmosphere.
The production is extremely raw and filthy, and suits the
music perfectly. The vocals standout throughout, sounding fantastically
horrific. The never ending drumbeats keep blasting away at the back, while the cymbal
crashes take the stage, sounding quite electrifying and setting the tempo
throughout the record.
Overall, a solid debut MCD release by the band. Raw, filthy
and powerful black metal music, that stays true to the underground scene. A
must listen for all members of the black metal cult!
