The union of death and thrash metal is something that has long stood the test of time. Yet, it can all too easily feel as though it takes years before we’re able to come before a band that doesn’t just understand what such a concoction can still offer listeners but know precisely how to tap into such a concept and deliver an experience that’s indicative of the power held within. It can be years before we’re given a performance that actually knows what it’s doing. After losing myself in their second album, I know in my bones Ninth Realm has put forth such a work.
I do not think I can truly remember the last work of death-thrash that had me floored and kept me floored hours after first diving into the creation. Perhaps Molten’s 2024 album, “Malicide”? It’s hard to remember, honestly, but the point remains: this is not a genre that is given nearly enough justice in my experience. I knew it was only a matter of time before I was brought before another captivating work of the sound, yet few things could have prepared me for how effective, deadly, and overwhelming awesome it was to be throttled by what Ninth Realm delivers all throughout “Damnation’s Veil”. This is where the blistering speed of thrash is melded perfectly with the ferocity of death metal in its many different forms from the brutish to the calculated. From beginning to end, “Damnation’s Veil” stands magnificently tall as a creation that does far more than embody only the finest aspects of its sound. It delivers a rising band to its destiny. It shows us the future of the style in no insignificant form. It demonstrates complete mastery over the subject in a way that we haven’t seen in years. It’s through smart riffs, impeccable songwriting, and a spectacular understanding of the craft that we’re given an experience that anyone and everyone who considers themselves even a mild fan of both genres should take down as a required listen should you even hope to understand the best that 2026 has to offer.
This is certainly one of the finest works of death-thrash that I’ve experienced not just so far this year by a long shot, but one of the absolute best creations of the sound that I’ve heard for well over a decade. I don’t make such a claim lightly. Subjectivity aside, there’s very, very little about this record that when held underneath a microscope that I doubt one could truly scrutinize to an extensive degree with “Damnation’s Veil” as a whole speaking loudly to the testament of this band’s undeniable power. Ninth Realm may only be on their second album, but it’s through impeccable mastery over their approach and execution that they are leagues ahead of much of the competition.
“Damnation’s Veil” releases on August 28th via Transcending Obscurity Records!
LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Damnation’s Veil” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Ninth Realm on Facebook here.
FOLLOW Ninth Realm on Instagram here.
https://youtu.be/-aXKRZdFlZk?list=RD-aXKRZdFlZk