With 2020 rounding to an end of an unforgettable 366 days, the last few albums of the year are getting released. While everyone is thinking about their album of the year lists, it's a bit unfair to unleash such a monstrous album as Depravity are tomorrow. Depravity's new album, Grand Malevolence, is being released tomorrow, but the kind guys in the band have given you a chance to hear it early.
Grand Malevolence is 11 quick, to the point, hard hitting death metal songs. Seriously, these Australians do not screw around when it comes to their music. With vocalist Jamie Kay (Inanimacy, ex-The Ritual Aura) being able to jump from Aborted style death-grind growls, to The Black Dahlia Murder's high screams. Then you have Lynton Cessford and Jarrod Curly leading heavy, aggressive, and melodic guitar riffs throughout the entire album.
If you need a full idea of what this band has to offer, jump into "Trophies of Inhumanity". Between the riffs and solos, Louis Rando's consistent blasts throughout, and Ainsley Watkins rumbling baselines in the back, this is the perfect formula for a Depravity song. On top of all of this, Kay's commanding vocal prowess and a catchy, almost sing along style chorus lays overtop.
Sure, you can always look at the songs that make a band look like they're at their best. Here's the thing though, even 11 songs deep, not a single one on Grand Malevolence feels like it's filler. With every song from "Indulging Psychotic Thoughts" right through to "Ghosts In The Void" feeling different, and similar. Depravity have nailed having each song feel like they connect to each other, but strategically don't place any of the more melodic songs, like "Castrate the Perpetrators" and "Ghosts In The Void" side by side. On the other side of this, more aggressive songs like "Hallucination Aflame" and the title track, "Grand Malevolence" are also seperate, you need to give the listener a small rest after all.
Depravity's new album Grand Malevolence releases tomorrow through Transcending Obscurity Records. You can hear it RIGHT NOW below, which I highly implore that you do. If you like what you hear, pick up the album or a shirt. Why not get yourself a Christmas present and buy one of those fancy box sets that are available on the webshop, or just buy the album digitally on Bandcamp. Either way, enjoy this wonderful slab of monstrous death metal.
