Slakter – Infernal Exekution Reign (Satanic Death Thrash with Candor)
I normally only review after release if a drop deserves it. This means we have here a rare instance of such a situation, but with some details I should make clear. Indonesia’s Slakter is somewhat unpolished in their particular presentation of death thrash, but it’s their energy and clear dedication to their craft, not to mention a distinct poise, that end up selling what first appears discounted cassingle metal as the next sensation. We can see already from the cover that they’re playing on the hellfire that made more evil forms of thrash stand out back in the 1980s. Musically you’ll hear that too, so no surprises there. The production is noticeably cleaner, as also expected in this modern era, and yes herein there be oversaturation of echo for the vocals, ferocious riffing, with a slight Indonesian twiddling, and the expected savage edge to the overall sound. How truly, then, is a little tenacity going to change anything?
Honestly, I don’t think I have a sufficient answer for this. The email promo appeared a few days after release, and to be honest I normally delete anything that’s just a bunch of text without a lick of artwork or anything to give me a sense of what it’s like. I deny most submissions on that fact alone. The email itself was likely a form-letter sent to a variety of outlets with minor changes made to sound more personal, yet there was an honesty to it, a genuine humbleness. Something of a “take us as you will” approach, and this is exactly what you’re going to find in Slakter’s first full-length, Infernal Exekution Reign, k-spelling and all. In the end, it’s sometimes this simplicity that can elevate the ordinary, and from what seems a rather freshly hacked-off-the-cow band, I suggest you pay attention. Indonesian metal was filled with puppetry and mimicry for awhile, but we’re slowly, ever so slowly, finding more bands like Slakter arise, with a sense of what they want to see from their particular take on metal, though not entirely present at the moment. It’s their candor that proves this detail can make even old school death thrash compelling. Give it a look, and keep these guys within your sphere. You might find you’re glad you did later. I know I’ll be waiting.
Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls
Slakter – Infernal Exekution Reign
Tarung Records, Witches Brew
Cover Art: Timbul Cahyono (bvllmetalart)
4.1 / 5
