Artist: Malevolent Creation
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Release Date: 7/27/04
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Title: Warkult Artist: Malevolent Creation Label: Nuclear Blast Records Release Date: 7/27/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Malevolent Creation remain adept at putting out the exact type of material we all expect from them without getting overly repetitive or tedious. And while I can understand criticisms that lament that we've heard this all before and that there's a lack of musical growth, the simple fact is that death metal is only supposed to go so far.And MC have taken it exactly where they want to, and the quality herein proves them to be right in their comfort zone. Warkult is a solid, mid-paced American death metal record that hits all the bases and is as satisfying as a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. Sure, you've had iced tea before, hundreds of times in fact, but there are those certain times when it just hits the spot. And that's what this album is doing for me right now.
"One word review: Solid." Of course, if you ask me if I'll still be listening to the record a few months from now, that's not an easy question to answer. It's entirely possible, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised if it becomes relegated to the back of my cd collection as soon as something else comes along to satiate my death metal jones.
Malevolent Creation have always paid close attention to their production values, and this album is no exception. The guitars sound great, a mixture of solid heft and satisfying crunch, and are the driving force for each and every song. The songwriting is solid, if not spectacular, and every once in a while a killer riff is thrown in and greases the hinge in your neck.
So in conclusion, the critic in me isn't all that impressed with this album, but the fan in me is taking what he can get out of it. The average death metal fiend will be more than happy to slap a few bucks down to add this to their collection, but if you're spent on the sound, you had best stay away. One word review: Solid.
Death's Review:
All hail violent U.S. death metal! Long time genre stalwarts Malevolent Creation are back with another cannon blast of war-inspired mayhem. Solid riffs, mid-tempo headbanging groove and fist pumping no-frills death metal propel the riffy beast. Long-time drummer Dave Culross is back, and provides just the shot of energy the legendary Malevolent Creation name deserves. Truth be told, there's nothing overwhelmingly "special" or "unique" about Warkult, at least from a "critic" perspective. But from a metalhead's perspective, this kicks serious ass. It amounts to just plain headbanging fun, and at the end of the day, isn't that what's truly important? I think it is, and that's why this album rises up to a four-skull final score. I can't quite articulate it, I only know that I like it, even though the elitists out there may scoff. Regardless, the album is well produced, well-written and well executed. Its total lack of pretension (while still taking itself seriously) strikes the perfect balance.
"All hail violent U.S. death metal!" I gave Envenomed 4 skulls in October 2000. I gave The Will to Kill 5 skulls in December 2002. August 2004, Malevolent Creation bangs out another solid, 4 skull effort. What does that tell you? Malevolent Creation consistently deliver, filling a death metal niche that has thrived for over a decade. If you were down before, you'll be down with this one. It's a visceral pleasure, not necessarily a cerebral one. But if you weren't into it in the past, then you don't like this kind of death metal and there's not really much point in you even trying to understand.
Hel's Review:
Malevolent Creation have returned with the follow up to 2002’s The Will to Kill, aptly titled Warkult. (Everyone knows things are much more metal when spelled with a “k” instead of a “c” – right? Just checking.)
"Warkult is nothing less than quality death metal." Warkult is nothing less than quality death metal. I’ve long considered Malevolent Creation to be an extremely solid outfit who consistently delivers an impressive product, and that holds true with this album as well. The musicianship on this record is excellent, and the songwriting is very well done. The songs are catchy, inasmuch as these kinds of songs are likely to be. I found the production to be quite pleasant, and I have now listened to Warkult for hours without growing tired of it.
There is no question that any death metal enthusiast looking for a fix should seek this out. Undoubtedly there are those among you with a “been there, done that” attitude, and this album will not perceptibly change the opinion of those types, but they are not the target audience for this record. Ultimately, all I really know is that I, for one, am glad that Malevolent Creation took the time to dispense this slab of death glory.
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