Battlegrave – Cavernous Depths
Release Date: 22nd July 2022
Label: Bitter Loss Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Groove Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal.
FFO: Goatwhore, Toxic holocaust, Skeletonwitch.
Review By: Liam True
Battlegrave haven’t caught my radar as of yet. But right now I’m glad I’ve finally caught up to them, thankfully, not too long into their studio career. Only releasing an EP in 2017 and their first studio album the following year in 2018, Battlegrave are still in their infancy as a band. But you wouldn’t be able to tell on their sophomore album, Cavernous Depths.
It sounds HUGE, as though they’ve been going for years and have hit the formula on the head. From the opening track, Violent Conjurations, to the finishing note of PT III Retribution Of The Witch (following from parts 1 & 2 on their debut) it’s an adrenaline rush as the band don’t let up on you for the full 42 minutes this album spins for. The most notable thing about the band is their genre bending noise. The crossover of both thrash & death metal, along with subtle hints of black metal added in for effect, is perfectly done. Not too much thrash, not too much death. It’s blended together in a way that it will be a treat for fans of both genres.
While there is a full band effort on the album, the two masterminds behind the noise are Clint Patzel on guitars, bass & keys & Rohan Buntine who leads the monstrous vocal efforts, are leaning more toward the heavier side of metal this time around. While being heavier, they’re certainly not sacrificing any of the groove or speed found on the debut. More so, adding to it to make a more brutal retelling of their story. With the help from drummer Samus Paulicelli of Decrepit Birth & YouTube fame & Daniel Mackie, who recorded all lead guitars on the album, their contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed. The speed of Samus is insane. Keeping up with Mackie & Patzel while adding his signature sound and touch takes some work, but I bet he recorded these drum tracks without even breaking a sweat. While Mackie on the other hand has his hands, and fingers full, with the chaotic riffs from Patzel to deal with, which are all phenomenal.
I feel as though it’s an album you need to sit through fully to appreciate the lengths the band have gone through to make this behemoth of a record. But if you’re the kind of person who likes to listen to a couple songs here and there. I’d highly recommend Obsessions Gate, White Death and will 100% always recommend The Black Vortex to anyone who wants a straight-up introduction to the band.
The album is a perfect affair of thrash & death metal in the highest regard. The production is fresh and clear as day, the tones are thicker than before and the menacing atmosphere from start to finish keeps the bands sound honed to a sharpened point that could, and possibly will annihilate the competition.
(5 / 5)
