There is nothing quite like some death metal that can come before the listener without any sort of fat on its bones with a singular mission in mind: mass destruction. Something that’s able to keep everything simple while constantly finding new ways to pummel and punish those who come before such might is an experience that death metal was practically made for as the inclusions of riffs, supreme technical prowess, and a well-tempered sense of musicianship only made such experiences all the more delectable. Olkoth is a new name to many of us, but I can guarantee that one listen to their first full-length album that you’ll be convinced Olkoth is well on their way to mastering every facet of that exact breed of undeniable death metal.

Already, the death metal scene as a whole is quite oversaturated, and that could quickly become a bad thing in the hands of the incapable and undetermined. Yet, I still remain convinced that there has never been a better time to be a metal fan given how much there is for us to choose from with all the different styles and veins that adorn even just one style like death metal. Sure, it can lead to some stale acts, but it’s because of names like Olkoth that I have no doubt we will always have more than enough to talk about when it comes to raw and unforgettable talent in the underground. Eight tracks that seek to siphon your very soul from behind your eyes to leave you a pathetic husk more so than you already were, the fires that lick you from within “At the Eye of Chaos” is nothing to be lightly pushed aside for all that it executes with an impeccable sense of ferocity, perseverance, and maniacal intent. It’s not bare-bones death metal where there’s not but heavy riffs fueled by a death metal approach but not some crazy work of technicality that we’re seeing more of in recent times, but a straightforward creation of the style with a solid injection of black metal for a little extra flavor to really stimulate the nerves – this is a record that knows exactly what it was meant to be and knows how to pull it off gloriously.

“At the Eye of Chaos” is the sort of unrelenting creation that wastes no time in going straight for its victim and never once letting up even as the excellence piles upon itself continuously like a heap of corpses whose macabre splendor captivates all who stand before it. Olkoth have already made quite an impression with all that they’ve delivered in this early stage of their climb through the underground with it surely a sign of great things to come if what follows shares even a fraction of the power and tenacity that is on full display throughout the whole of “At the Eye of Chaos”.

“At the Eye of Chaos” releases on May 26th via Everlasting Spew Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “At the Eye of Chaos” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Olkoth on Facebook here.