Godeater – Vespera
Release Date: 30th September 2022
Label: Self Released
Bandcamp
Genre: Technical Death Metal, Death Metal.
FFO: Greylotus, Carrion Vael, Xenobiotic.
Review By: Ryan Payne
Godeater have been making a solid name for themselves within the UK metal scene and the new album, “Vespera”, is a testament to their success. While blending atmospheric haunting melodies with technical riffs, these boys are becoming pioneers within the death metal scene in the UK, keeping true to a sound that rings familiarity with some old school bands while adding a modern twist to entice a newer audience. It’s no wonder these guys have drawn the attention from outlets such as Kerrang, Metal Hammer, Distorted Sound Magazine and been invited to grace many of the UK’s top festivals, such as Bloodstock, Tech Fest and Damnation Festival.
The quintet from Glasgow have been active since 2016 and, like a fine wine, have only improved with time. Perfecting their sound and advancing on their abilities, Godeater have created a collection of 8-tracks that explore all aspects of their talents, bringing their A-game to the table, and it’s most certainly paying off. The blend of modern-day tech elements and death metal have created a sound that is truly unique and refreshing to hear. The guitar work focuses on riffs and technicality, rather than going for broke with endless breakdowns and chugging, making every track engaging and exciting to listen through. The accompanying drums also play a huge part in setting the tone and have complimented the aforementioned guitar works perfectly.
The vocal tone on this record is more in the realm of the heavier side of metalcore than it is death metal, steering clear from low gutturals and goblin noises, making it more of a tone that is easier to listen through and sits perfectly on top of the technical musicianship that is playing behind. Singing is also thrown into the mix on a couple of tracks, just enough to pique the listener and not so much that it ruins the tone of the album. Both vocal styles are executed with perfection and I feel, if performed in any other way, would take away from the impact that “Vespera” is intending to make.
Godeater have created a very inventive album and an absolute incredible follow up from 2019’s “All Flesh Is Grass”. These boys are going from strength to strength and are well on their way to playing bigger stages and getting the attention of bigger acts and labels, especially already touring with bands that are dominating the UK underground scene, such as Osiah and Vexed. This album is definitely going to be a huge hit with a lot of people, and I can easily see “Vespera” taking this band to new heights. 
(4 / 5)
