Decrepit Altar – Egregious Defilement (Suffocating Mausoleum Doom)

 

Promos were pretty thin this week, but don’t think I’m settling. Decrepit Altar had my attention regardless of what else was in the queue. This Croatian quartet came out of nowhere with this debut EP, though it should be noted they have experience in several bands you’ve likely never heard of. Regardless, I can see why this might, probably, be the right fit for them. Egregious Defilement (what a great title) is a bleak, three-track weapon that strangles atmosphere out of surprisingly minimal riffing. The amount of density these guys don’t need is rather amazing, to be honest. Duration is often key to doom in general, and here we have death with a bit of the funeral style to make sure the tar-thick weight takes the air of of your lungs properly. Much like the black runoff coming from the ossuary altar on the cover, you’re pretty much a numb smear after this one.

   

Again, I’m quite surprised how much Decrepit Altar can get out of the minimal riffs, and vocals for that matter. That’s another detail to note. They’re confident and comfortable enough to let the music do its work, but though you’ll find yourself in a dark cave-in most often, you’ll still realize there’s space around when a grim roar exudes from the emptiness with shocking clarity considering the amount of phlegm it’s covered in. This whole thing is carved from wet granite with a slow-motion collapse and ritualistic patience that they refuse to allow to pool into even an ounce of energy, but yet it also never bores. Much like being brought into a state of panic inside of a mausoleum, Egregious Defilement will leave you awed and ready to repeat the experience just to feel the walls press in again.

 

Decrepit Altar Official Instagram

Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls

Decrepit Altar – Egregious Defilment
Me Saco un Ojo Records
Cover Art: Ivan Eror
4.2 / 5