Destruktor – Opprobrium

With a brutal infusion of death metal riffs the lads from Australia, Destruktor are back with their second full length record, Opprobrium. And it has some really enjoyable riffs through with a strong vocal performance and is a solid release.

The opener “Priestiality” is straightforward enough black metal track typical of Maniac era Mayhem. Good opener. While the next track “Besieged” hits more on point for me; the song is centred on the growls of Glenn Destruktor and his death metal vocals carry the brutality of the band. The bridge of this track is a standout with a great bass line from Brad Ollis under a Slayer inspired solo. I love this track.

“Tyrants Condemnation” shows the band’s thrash roots in song construction while skirting the early wave of black metal in speed and guitar playing. It’s great middle track. Fast and brutal that is underpinned by the titanic bass and drums.

“Immaculate Deception” is very similar to that previous track. The chorus/bridge sections of Destruktor’s songs are where they shine. Starting from the chorus which is so good that you wish the whole was like this; however, the songs only get going then and build to a supremely dark and menacing until the end. “Immaculate Deception” is the best example of this.

“Eradication” and the latter part of this release, works to try and show off different song design and draw in a faster more rapid black metal sound throughout. “Forever the Blood Shall Flow” is my favourite track of the album; with its neat opening riff and slower more ambient built. This is one for old school Slayer fans.

The production is great; for three lads they make everything sound huge and everything fits. The bass playing is some of the best black metal bass work that I’ve heard in a while. Kudos! The drumming is superb and the death metal vocals are so fun when mashed into a second wave of black metal sound.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable record. I really can’t wait to see these guys live and they’ve won me over. This is one that will grow on you after a few listens. It’s fast, brutal and heavy but also has moments of that capture the extreme black metal ethos. This is one to buy.

Destruktor are:

Glenn Destruktor – Vocals, Guitars

Jahred – Drums

Brad Ollis – Bass

Tracklist:

1. Priestiality
2. Besieged
3. Tyrants Condemnation
4. Immaculate Deception
5. Blood Poison
6. Eradication
7. Forever the Blood Shall Flow

Opprobrium by DESTRUKTOR, released 24th July 2015 by Hells Headbangers Records