Categories: AlbumsReviews

Alien Gods

Lunar Blackened Death EP [Three stars] Independent release

Published by

Lunar Blackened Death is the debut EP from Arunachal-based extreme metal outfit Alien Gods. The album is a concrete manifestation of straightforward old-school death-thrash with vocalist Olik Boko’s guttural growls occasionally wandering into impressive black metal screeches. The band attempts to draw on the vigour of bands like Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under, though not always managing the same conviction. The EP opens with ”˜Animal Party,’ a song that while sharply written retains some unnecessary slapdash riffing and solos. Boko’s vocal theatrics are the star of this album, and his craft on tracks like ”˜Soul Destruction’ and ”˜Mortuary in Hell’ showcase considerable potential, slipping between growls and screeches with equal dexterity.

The mood of this album is well maintained throughout ”“ it’s somehow both airy and cavernous. The band also throws in the occasional twist ”“ a bass run on ”˜Dead and Decayed,’ a black-metal-esque atmospheric interlude on ”˜Soul Destruction’ ”“ that keeps the music sufficiently engaging. But there are also missteps like the plaintive vocal chant at the beginning of ”˜Soul Destruction’ that seems oddly out of place. And though competently written, played and produced, a lot of the songs in this CD are not memorable, lacking the recall value needed to make a lasting impression. Here’s hoping a better follow-up is in the making.

Key Tracks: ”˜Animal Party,’ ”˜Lunar Blackened Death

Recent Posts

Nothing But Thieves Plan a ‘Big Reset’ After India Debut

British band will perform at Lollapalooza India in Mumbai on Mar. 9, 2025

February 26, 2025

Hearts2Hearts Kicks Off its Journey with ‘The Chase’

Hearts2Hearts debuts with its maiden single, ‘The Chase,’ off its same-named album built on the…

February 25, 2025

Oscars 2025 Predictions: Who Will Win, Who Should Win

Brody or Chalamet? Madison or Moore? Anora or The Brutalist? Our predix on who’s walking…

February 25, 2025

Fyre Fest II Announces Allegedly Real Date, Allegedly Real Location, and Allegedly Real Tickets

Convicted fraudster Billy McFarland's second attempt at glory will take place May 30 to June…

February 25, 2025

Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Lisa, and More Stars to Perform at 2025 Oscars

Doja Cat and Raye — who joined Lisa on "Born Again" — are also scheduled…

February 25, 2025

Don Toliver Continues the ‘Hardstone Psycho’ Era With Trippy ‘Tore Up’ Video

Video follows his recent collaboration with J-Hope and Pharrell

February 25, 2025