Greetings to all fellow enthusiasts of extreme music. Thank you for taking the time to read this review of Devouring Famine's latest opus, "Chains, Slavery, Filth." While this album marks my inaugural encounter with this formidable solo project, I went on a deeper exploration of previous releases to gain a comprehensive understanding of the artist's musical evolution—an insight that has significantly enriched this review.
"Chains, Slavery, Filth" features eight tracks, each ranging from approximately 2:30 to 5:30 minutes in length. Rather than delving into every composition, this review will instead highlight key moments from a selection of songs that resonated with me during this powerful album.
Track 1: Obey
The introduction to "Obey" immediately commanded my attention. The guitar tone is exceptional, perfectly encapsulating the foreboding presence suggested by the album's artwork. I particularly appreciate how the high-string melodies cut through the aggressive rhythm section, a distinct quality that, unlike many black metal offerings, allows these intricate melodies to truly shine and make a profound impact.
A notable highlight arrives at the 2:36 mark, where Devouring Famine masterfully halts the prevailing chaos, introducing a remarkably prominent bassline. This segment, supported by crisp cymbal work, snares, and bass drum kicks, cultivates a more progressive, almost jazzy, atmosphere. As a fervent admirer of bands that seamlessly integrate diverse genres into their sound, this initial track clearly signaled that "Chains, Slavery, Filth" would be an album I would hold in high regard. It serves as a very well-placed opening statement for the entire album.
Devouring Famine - Chains Slavery Filth
Track 2
"Track 2" commences with a precise 4/4 drum beat, accompanied by chugging guitars interspersed with brief tremolo-picked melodies. This slightly slower, more deliberate iteration of Devouring Famine's style offers a welcome contrast to the opener. The artist has truly mastered this tempo.
At 0:39, I was particularly drawn to the subtle yet impactful double-bass drumming that shows of cool rapid fire squad kicks on the 4/4 beat, which added a distinctive edge to the rhythm. A significant shift occurs at 1:37, as the song abruptly transitions from the characteristic Devouring Famine black metal assault to a passage of unexpected beauty. This section unfolds with a pristine guitar melody played at a measured pace, allowing every note to be clearly heard. The bass guitar, once again, is notably present and unfettered, providing a rich, additional layer of depth to this melancholic passage. The cymbals woven throughout knit the entire piece together. I found this part deeply compelling and believe the artist should certainly explore similar stylistic avenues, perhaps even dedicating a full track to this evocative sound in future releases. The return of the main melody and double-bass techniques in the song's concluding minutes was a clever touch, providing a sense of cohesion.
Track 4: Chains, Slavery, Filth
This title track proved to be a standout. It is absolutely brimming with guitar splendor and complex progressive drum patterns that together craft a truly alluring soundscape. With fluid tempo shifts and numerous time signature changes, this song stands as one of the strongest showcases of Devouring Famine's profound musicality and technical prowess. It also features some of the album's most impressive tremolo-picked sections and compelling shredding passages. While this is certainly not a criticism, some of the high-string shredding evokes a style reminiscent of bands like Avenged Sevenfold.
The guitars feature strikingly dissonant tones, often employing alternate picking, which creates a nuanced texture, allowing to discern every aspect of Devouring Famine's intricate playing. The closing moments of this song are brilliantly executed, introducing a slow, heavy, headbanging riff that gradually builds from a deliberate pace to a final burst of speed. This climactic section is powerfully underpinned by great-sounding blast beats, punctuated by exceptionally crisp accents.
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A track from the album can be found on Blackmetal vol.7
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Track 5: This is not Blackmetal For the Mediocre Mind
Undoubtedly, this track is my absolute favorite on the album. Its overall sound definitively captures what I believe to be the quintessential Devouring Famine sound. The opening features a slow, introductory guitar melody that instantly propels into incredibly cool, full-force tremolo lines. What amplifies its impact is the intensely nihilistic, raw chord progression that follows, only to transition back into the driving tremolo.
The most cherished aspect of this song for me was the immediate shift after this chaotic opening segment. At the 1:48 mark, the drums cease their relentless blasting, reintroducing that exceptionally groovy 4/4 rhythm. I also greatly appreciated the subsequent slow, ambient, and bass-filled section. This track is seriously impressive; I simply cannot get enough of it. It would be the primary song I'd choose to introduce people to this band. This track can be found on my Blackmetal Vol.7 youtube video.
Track 7: Waiting for Someone I’ve Long Forgotten
Although "Waiting for Someone I've Long Forgotten" is the shortest track on the album, it personally ranks among my favorites. As a dedicated admirer of atmospheric black metal, particularly albums that incorporate purely ambient or slow, melancholic guitar pieces, this track resonated deeply. It instantly transported me to another realm, evoking a profound sense of dread, bittersweet emotion, and deep dejection.
The guitar playing here is chef's kiss. The technique of holding a chord while individually plucking each string in alternate patterns imparts a uniquely foreboding and magical quality. This nuanced approach, combined with the subtle yet effective use of ambient textures and synths, creates an immersive soundscape. I would say that this track stands as a touching interlude, offering a moment of reflective calm amidst the album's intensity.
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In conclusion, Devouring Famine has delivered a truly exceptional release with "Chains, Slavery, Filth." The incorporation of diverse genres, coupled with an resolute commitment to its black metal foundation, is remarkably impressive. Each song possesses its own distinct character and vitality, showing an impressive array of blast beats, tremolo-picked melodies, shredding, thick, chunky riffs, and numerous other highly skilled techniques throughout the album. I would confidently rate "Chains, Slavery, Filth" a strong 9/10 and eagerly anticipate future material from Devouring Famine.
BlackenedSoundscape
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
Grading system.
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