Bloodbeat – Process of Extinction
Release Date: 18th June 2021
Label: Inverse Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal, Thrash.
FFO: Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death.
Review By: Jason Batus
Bloodbeat is a death metal/thrash band based out of Germany. Originally formed in the summer of 2014 in Berlin, they produced a 4 song EP during their first year, and spent the next couple of years touring Europe relentlessly while working on their first album “Murderous Art”. The band underwent several line-up changes during that time until it reached its current makeup for their second album Process of Extinction. While the band certainly has a nostalgic sound reminiscent of the late 80’s and early 90’s metal scene they still manage to sound uniquely their own.
Currently fronted by Jason Kuhn on vocals and guitar, Daniel Dokic on guitar, Fux on Bass, and Paul Hopp on drums the band sounds like Cannibal Corpse and Slayer had a demon love child, and their newest album, Process of Extinction is what was spawned. Process of Extinction, the second album released by Bloodbeat is a brutal attack of guitar riffs and aggressive blast beats. Guttural vocals help to pound home the heavy feel of this album as it hits track after track.
From the opening track Creative Murder this album hits hard, with thick, fast, guitar riffs reminiscent of the mid-80’s, and super heavy power breaks. The follow-up track is also a heavy hitter with guitarist Daniel Dokic demonstrating versatility in his solo playing. The squeals and hammer-ons he uses elevate the song through serious thrash centred shredding. Tracks such as Pulse, even have some prog-metal moments using unusual time signatures, which have a similar feel to Mastodon, helping to keep the album moving and feeling fresh. Drummer Paul Hopp adds some exceptional drumming on songs like Intention to Kill and the closing track Slow Decompose. The efficiency with which he tears round the kit could be likened to a hyperactive drum machine!
While the album as whole is great, there are some things I would change if I could. The vocals are well suited and help to deliver a powerful brutality, however I think adding in some back-up vocals or increased range above the lower octaves could certainly help this album elevate to a higher level, as there were moments on Process of Extinction that began to sound a little repetitive.
Overall, Process of Extinction is a hard-hitting journey back to the heyday of thrash and death metal, marrying the two well while still sounding new and fresh. The aggressive and punctuated drumming coupled with solid guitar and bass parts make for a thunderous swell of sound throughout the album. Pairing this with exceptional guitar solos and unique breakdowns throughout the album make this a release any fan of metal will enjoy in or out of the pit!
(4 / 5)
