Hanging The Nihilist – Prophetic Blasphemy
Release Date: 3rd June 2022
Label: Prime Collective
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Genre: Deathcore, Blackened Deathcore, Symphonic Deathcore, Black Metal.
FFO: Worm Shepherd, Lorna Shore, To The Grave, Angelmaker, The Hopewell Furnace.
Review By: Mike Leighton
As a fan of blackened deathcore, I have been waiting for something to quench my thirst since the epic release of Ritual Hymns by Worm Shepherd earlier this year, and we might just have that next great release from Hanging The Nihilist with their first full length, Prophetic Blasphemy. Due out June 3rd of this year through Prime Collective, and the first release with new vocalist Alex. Hanging The Nihilist have been around the block a bit already with their first EP “The Crow,” as well as performing alongside acts such as ambient post-hardcore group, Imminence, all the way to tech death metal legends, Dying Fetus at Tech Metal Fest 2019. After experimenting with their sound on “The Crow,” we, the listeners, get our first full taste of what the Danish Deathcore outfit, Hanging The Nihilist, has to offer! With that, let us jump right into Prophetic Blasphemy
Prelude to Prophecy starts dark and ominous with an echoing thud; almost like the thud of a giant war drum. Following is the building crescendo of a dark chorus alongside some nicely played string instruments. A great track to start the album because of its grandiosity, and that sound only continues to build until leading seamlessly into the next track. Enter The Procession, really highlights what the band is capable of, but it did not grasp me like some of the singles did, that is, until the middle of the song when we get some nice, dark piano melodies behind some very monstrous sounding drums.
Inevitable Dissent contains a backing track that is just haunting in the best way possible as it elevates the guitars, vocals, and most of all the story being told about a betrayed Empress. The first verse contains a swift, and aggressive onslaught of drums before shifting right back into the main riff we heard in the intro alongside an ominous chorus of chants. A beautiful interlude grips the listener before leading into a quite elegant guitar solo fully equipped with some sweep picking! This was my favourite of the three singles released, but overall, the Prophetic Blasphemy so far creates quite the atmosphere through its story and instrumental tracks!
Next, The Bloodwell Scriptorium opens with a remarkably simple yet foreboding piano line that would chill even the strongest down to the bone. Following that, enters vocalist Alex’s demonic vocals alongside some punchy guitars. All the while there is an eerie chime in the background, really giving the track the final addition that is needs. This song will have fans both new and old coming back for another listen as it has an infectious element that I cannot quite put my finger on. Gave me strong Worm Shepherd, Lorna Shore, and The Hopewell Furnace vibes.
Labour of the Sacred Bodies is the first single from the album, and the first real taste of what Hanging The Nihilist have to offer. Vocals really set the track apart from sounding like all the other tracks. The lyrics were enunciated well, therefore helping the listener engage with the lyrics more, while still sounding nasty and evil! Personally, I thought this track told the story of an egotistical god, who is very much aware of how much the people worship him/her and intends to get as much out of them as possible even to the point of death. The Empress’s Wager starts off much like Bloodwell with a building, insidious darkness. Hanging The Nihilist very much enjoy a dark, almost symphonic, piano element in the background of their songs, and this track is no different. To me, it brings their sound out of the vast sea of other deathcore bands and gives them more of a signature element. That symphonic element, along with Alex’s vocals, really made this song stick out for me.
…To the Sound of Madness is the second single. It contains a fantastic symphonic element, a great duality when it comes to the vocal delivery, and the instrumental composition is immense. Personally, it was much better than the first single when it came to overall storytelling and delivery. This track ended with a disgusting breakdown coupled with some of the coolest vocals I have heard in quite some time. Hunted Through Hell starts off strong and in your face with the vocals taking center stage. This track sounded a lot like other songs on this album, but for me, that is what I enjoyed about it. The consistency in sounds as well as song length really kept me engaged in this album!
When you think deathcore, you think dark, crunchy guitars, and vocals, and with blackened deathcore you need a symphonic element to help bring it all together, like a binding element in cooking. Along with a story you need vocals capable of telling a dark tale and Hanging the Nihilist have hammered that nail into the coffin with the very evil vocal delivery courtesy of their new frontman. The soundscape they create with the storytelling, music composition, layering, and overall atmosphere is unique enough to elevate them above other in this genre. I am excited to see what the future holds for these guys, and hope this album helps get their name out there!
(4 / 5)
