HERESIARCH: "Hammer of Intransigence"

Heresiarch's debut EP Hammer of Intransigence is an example of a record that simply has so devastatingly good looking cover art that you are bound to check out properly what's inside. And in this case the exploration didn't have only positive results, though it is of course certain that these five tracks plus intro are one of the cruelest pieces of black / death metal the Earth has witnessed in 2011.

A little research reveals that half of the band's line-up consists of Diocletian members, so the professionality of the musicianship doesn't surprise so much anymore: Hammer of Intransigence is crammed with a fuck load of insanely fast and precise (yet not triggered) blast beats, and... Well, the drums – snare in particular – dominate the soundscape so heavily that the only thing I can properly remember of the EP afterwards is the monstrous drum work. Hence multiple listens are required, but it doesn't take away the fact that this record is mixed in the same spirit as Proclamation albums are: much focus has been given to the pummelling rhythm section to the detriment of actual riffs, which are a level quieter in the mix. At slower parts the murky riffing does get more distinct, but there's not much slowness on this record in the first place... My favourite track ends up being the last one ”Intransigent” that has the first and last flirts with some kind of melody. Though it's just something really vague, it already creates great dynamics.

So if you're looking for an absurd (that is not said negatively) trip at some very harsh, violent and crude black / death / war metal, and don't really mind if the compositions themselves say nothing, Hammer of Intransigence is a great buy. The atmosphere here is definitely top notch, and sound-wise there's really nothing to complain about: this is a really effective mass of destruction. What I'm lacking here, however, are the memorable riffs. I know that's not a necessity for everyone, and with some bands like Proclamation that applies to me as well, but I find it hard to give Hammer of Intransigence a praising rating just due to the overall feel they have going on in their music.

2.5 / 5