Baest – Necro Sapiens
Release Date: 5th March 2021
Label: Century Media
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Genre: Death Metal.
FFO: Bloodbath, Grave, Morbid Angel, Death.
Review By: Paul Cairney
Baest are Danish and they play superior Death Metal. There are lots of Scandinavian bands who play good Death Metal, very few play superior Death metal. It is probably best to get this out there, so you know where this review is going.
Necro Sapiens is the third full length, and it essentially continues the upward trajectory of the band. It is, to be honest, an extremely good listen. Following on from the brief intro, ‘The Forge’, first song proper, ‘Genesis’, sets the tone for the album. It is an excellent opener that banishes the memory of the intro. Only after you delve deeper into the album, do you realise how consistent it is. Consistently heavy, consistently challenging, consistently enjoyable.
‘Abattoir’ is the track where Baest truly begin hit their stride on the album, menacing riffs, controlled vocals and with enough variety to impress even those who are not automatically drawn to the Death Metal genre. That said, Necro Sapiens is unashamedly old school in its approach to Death Metal. The band’s inspirations can be seen throughout the album, although to be fair, this is no retro lovefest. Baest bring their own beer to the party, ensuring that the tracks sound modern enough to appease those wanting more than just another old school copycat.
What also appeals are the, rather impressive, song titles. These include, ‘Goregasm’, ‘Meathook Massacre’, ‘Sea of Vomit’ and my personal favourite, ‘Purification Through Mutilation’. None of your namby pamby pish song titles here. This is proper SUPERIOR Death Metal in all ways.
This album hit home with me on my very first listen. There was no requirement for it to grow, to fester in the dark recesses of my very heavy metal mind. This presents the one and only negative thing I can say about it, and it is probably slightly unfair. I worry that the album may not become an essential part of my playlist. It has not gotten any better the more I listen. It is merely consistent!
Perhaps, however, this is just a grizzled old reviewer being churlish, looking for excuses not to give it 5 stars. However, it is enough for me to just hold back, despite the fact it is an excellent listen.
(4 / 5)
