I don’t think people appreciate enough the singularly wild state that extreme metal finds itself in currently. Sure, there’s still more than enough glory and splendor to be born from the unending lessons of the old school, yet it’s in trying to find new horizons and challenge the genre as a whole that metal remains endlessly fascinating and immeasurably deep for all that it can offer. Innovation does not always mean success, but that doesn’t stop many from trying. We’ve seen plenty of times now the combination of death metal and ethnic folk inspirations, though that doesn’t stop many from not only trying their hand at bringing such a concept to life but adding their own spin onto the concept. Throughout the eviscerating nine tracks Kalaveraztekah’s latest, we see another take on death metal laced with Hispanic influences along with personal flavors that make for a singularly captivating lesson in intensity.

We’ve seen plenty of iterations in recent years when it comes to Spanish themes across death metal from the likes of First Fragment to Impureza just a few months ago showing us what can still be accomplished. Even then, this is a particularly niche corner of extreme metal that is begging for further exploration should a band simply dive headfirst into the deep end. Right away, Kalaveraztekah makes it clear that they’re not ashamed one bit to give it their all with the results of “Nikan Axkan” showing off a deep level of understanding and daring that’s downright mesmerizing to fall into. Without so much as a lulling moment throughout the entirety of this record, it’s made dangerously obvious right away that Kalaveraztekah is doing far more than borrowing some influences from their heritage to add some flair and intrigue to their particular brand of death metal with a deadly progressive angle. From the onset, “Nikan Axkan” eviscerates the listener in glorious fashion with their approach to this niche sound able to be atmospheric and ominous as it can be equally forward and downright murderous in its intent. Always making damn sure that you’re crawling back for more whether it be out of the melodies, the impressive craftsmanship, the themes, or something else entirely, Kalaveraztekah dared to go big with their second album. In no small way, this act achieved throughout “Nikan Axkan” what few others can with all the power, dynamic intensity, and supreme aura to match.

The old world of Hispania is kept alive and well here! From its haunting flutes to its aggressive nature to the production itself, there isn’t so much as an inch of “Nikan Axkan” that isn’t worthy of your attention with damn near everything about the creation offering a slice of magnificent torture that one simply cannot ignore for too long. The devil is in the details here but it’s ensuring a bombastic performance, ensuring Kalaveraztekah that their sophomore album is not one to take lightly in any form.

LISTEN to “Nikan Axkan” on Bandcamp here.

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