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Defiled “Horror Beyond Horror” Album Review by Jorge Pozo

defiled band

With their roots deeply entrenched in the Japanese underground death metal scene, Defiled has been crafting their brutal soundscape since 1992. Over the years, they’ve established themselves not just in their home country but also on the global stage. Their latest release, “Horror Beyond Horror,” marks another chapter in a journey that has been relentless in its pursuit of raw, uncompromising music. Coming just a year after their last effort, “The Highest Level,” this album is an affirmation of the band’s dedication and growth.

The album wastes no time, diving straight into “Smoke and Mirrors” with a blistering drum intro by Keisuke Hamadabefore the entire band joins the fray. The guitars of Shinichiro Hamada and Yusuke Sumita slash through the soundscape with visceral riffs, while Takachika Nakajima’s bass rumbles menacingly beneath. Shinichiro Hamada’svocals are a powerful force, torn and aggressive, perfectly complementing the chaotic symphony created by the band.

The title track, “Horror Beyond Horror,” stands out not only as the longest on the album but also as a highlight of pure, unrelenting ferocity. Clocking in at just over four minutes, it encapsulates the essence of Defiled’s sound with a relentless drive that feels both fresh and familiar. The track is an intense assault, indicative of the album’s overall tone.

Tracks like “Trojan Horse,” “The Chains,” and “Spectrum of Fear” showcase the band’s ability to deliver pure death metal energy. These songs are drenched in the band’s blood, sweat, and tears, pushing their capabilities to new heights. Each track is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship that Defiled puts into their music.

However, the album isn’t free from flaws. “The Terminal Phase” feels somewhat uninspired compared to the rest of the album, with its more simplified guitar work. On the other hand, “Syndicate” falls into repetition, though its solo manages to partially redeem it. These moments remind us that even a solid album can have its dips.

What sets “Horror Beyond Horror” apart is the production. The sound is punchy and intense without overwhelming the listener. The guitar tone is unique, spreading its impact wide rather than delivering a single, dense blow. This approach makes the album accessible and enjoyable, even for those who might find extreme metal too abrasive. The production strategy ensures that each member of the band is heard clearly, without any element dominating the mix.

The album’s structure, featuring fourteen tracks mostly under three minutes each, is refreshing for the genre. Defiledavoids the common grindcore approach of sheer speed and instead treats each song as a fully realized piece. The steady tempo and evolving riffs keep the listener engaged, providing a series of twists and turns that make each track a journey in itself.

Closing the album, “To See Behind The Wall” leaves a lingering impression. It’s a haunting end to a savage journey, a fitting conclusion that ties the album together. Kenji Kikuchi’s mixing and mastering at Studio Nest in Chiba, Japan, bring every nuance to life with clarity and power, ensuring that the album delivers on its promise of pure death metal carnage.

Favorites from the album include “Smoke and Mirrors,” “Horror Beyond Horror,” and “Trojan Horse.” These tracks encapsulate the essence of Defiled—brutal, relentless, and technically proficient. The cover art by Wes Benscoterand photography by Shigenori Ishikawa add to the album’s aesthetic, complementing its dark and aggressive nature.

“Horror Beyond Horror” is a strong addition to Defiled’s discography. It showcases their growth while remaining true to their old-school roots. Given the quality and intensity of the album, I would rate it 8 out of 10. It’s a solid entry that will resonate with fans and newcomers alike, despite a few moments that could have been stronger. The enduring power of Defiled’s music is clear, and “Horror Beyond Horror” is a potent reminder of why they remain a dominant force in death metal.

Final Rating: 8/10

defiled album

Tracklist:1. Smoke and Mirrors (2:35)
2. Horror Beyond Horror (4:01)
3. Syndicate (3:59)
4. The Alchemy (2:47)
5. Demagogue (2:13)
6. The Terminal Phase (2:18)
7. Trojan Horse (2:35)
8. Spectrum of Fear (2:30)
9. The Crook and Flail (3:08)
10. Replicator Dynamics (2:42)
11. Equinox (3:04)
12. The Chains (3:16)
13. Psychopomp (3:14)
14. To See Behind The Wall (2:45)

Line-up:Shinichiro Hamada – Vocals, Guitar
Yusuke Sumita – Guitar
Takachika Nakajima – Bass
Keisuke Hamada – Drums

Recording Studio

Studio Zot, Tokyo, Japan

Production Credits

Sound Engineers – Shinichiro Hamada & Keisuke Hamada
Produced by Yusuke Sumita
Mixed & Mastered by Kenji Kikuchi at Studio Nest, Chiba, Japan

Biography

Defiled, with edits by Sébastien Gamez

Cover Art

Wes Benscoter

Photographer
Shigenori Ishikawa

Booking Contact:
Yusuke Sumita – info@defiled.info

Stream & Order: https://orcd.co/defiledhorrorbeyondhorror

Follow Defiled

Website : http://www.defiled.info/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/defiled
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/defiledjapan
Bandcamp : https://defiledjapan.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/defiled
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@defiled
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KDc0SB4ero6zAgrafjVrt
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/defiled/72867298
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B001GJ407S/defiled

Available formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12″ Colored Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear & Transparent Green

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