Review: “Visions from the Necrorealm” by Necroferum
“In the heart of the Central American jungle, where shadows crawl and ancient secrets linger, Necroferum awakens. Born from spectral fumes and steeped in malevolence, it embodies the rotting essence of a darkness that knows no bounds. As the putrid miasma rises, it unleashes a relentless force, merciless and unforgiving, drawn from the deepest depths of evil.” ~ Necroferum
San José Costa Rica based Death Metal quartet Necroferum arose from the black depths in 2023 as Mortual axe wielding duo Juan Salas and Justin Sanchez, who were looking to create a heavier and more punishing sound. Together they recruited bassist and vocalist Kevin Venegas of Carved Memories and drummer Juan José Fernandez, dedicating their sound to conjuring the sepulchral sound of spectral mists. Wrapped in artwork by Martydoom Illustrations, the band recorded, produced, mixed and mastered the EP at Hell’s Pit Studio, outsourcing only the recording of the drums. That was done by David Cantillano at AleGui Records…
There is no mistaking that the cover art depicts something out of the mind of Australian multi instrumentalist Brendan Auld (Snorlax, Descent, Feculent) and in keeping with that sentiment, the record actually sounds like it was recorded, mixed and mastered by him as well. Imagine the possibilities if the two forces of darkness should meet? Opening cut “Visions from the Necrorealm” sounds like it was recorded in cave with the exception of the drums, the dissonant guitars and spitting, snarling vocals reverberating around the skull like its an echo chamber. Not that its a bad thing as the band have clearly tapped into the kind of dark inspiration that makes you question what lurks in the shadows. At points so savage they touch on feral, there can be no disputing the shadow of intent. Floating in the twisted, Blackened Death Metal ether, the melodic introduction to “Transcending from Spectral Fumes” is haunting to the point of being unnerving so it’s almost a relief when the skull battering Death Metal returns. Blood gargling death growls and sinister chord progressions keep the stomach churning as the insanity plays out over nearly eight minutes of madness. An eerie moment of unhinged melody before a tempo drop builds back into some Death Thrash riffs, this one pushes the boundaries of what the band can do to punish the discerning listener.
Having a sound quality that is purposefully raw and demo like gives this record a real nostalgic charm but it has to be said there is nothing raw or primitive about the bands performances. “Profound Illusions of a Pathological Subconscious” ups the ante with more Death Metal energy, a faster start then deliberately slowing down as the screamed vocals take on a harrowing nature. Shriller moments in the background give a haunting touch as they bleed into a disturbing melodic break before blast beats rage through the final moments with furious energy. The thing that should not be was cast out of heaven and in “Malignant Echoes of Non-Existence” its true power as a force of darkness becomes apparent. Another blistering cut in Blackened Death Metal, it finds Venegas offering up the kind of throat splitting vocals that will leave you wondering what you just heard. The bass is distinctly prominent in the mix, giving the effect of another rhythm guitar before a face melting solo ending ending on a whammy bar drop astounds. If there is an unworldly presence in the room, you may have just found it [7.5/10]
Track Listing
1. Visions from the Necrorealm
2. Transcending from Spectral Fumes
3. Profound Illusions of a Pathological Subconscious
4. Malignant Echoes of Non-Existence
“Visions from the Necrorealm” by Necroferum is out 4th November 2024 via Nuclear Winter Records