Review: “Zombie Chronicles Vol. 1” by Season Of The Dead

A project designed to resurrect the blood soaked legacy of horror infused Death Metal, channeling the rotten spirit of bands like Necrophagia, Mortician and Fulci, while paying tribute to the grotesque imagery and raw energy of cult underground horror films, Season Of The Dead aren’t just a band. They’re a chronicle of the undead, a sonic descent into rot, fear and splatter. For this project while guitarist Giacomo Anselmi (ex-Goblin, Goblin Legacy) and drummer Titta Tani (ex-Goblin, ex-Necrophagia) perform on every track, the pair are joined by an alternating cast of other musicians. Vocalists John McEntee (Incantation) and Fiore Stravino (Fulci) take turns in the limelight, bassists Dave Neabore (Dog Eat Dog) and Chuck Sherwood (Incantation) doing likewise, all under the watchful eye of producer Enrico Giannone.

The band comment on “Voodoo Ritual“: “We wanted to pay tribute to a groovier style, drawing inspiration from Pantera. The figure of Phil Anselmo and his collaboration with Necrophagia as a songwriter and guitarist is of great importance to us. The voodoo referenced in the track is the one practiced by Marie Laveau, who lived in Louisiana in the 1800s and is still recognized today as a controversial and widely debated figure“.

Instrumental introduction piece “Necromancy” sets the tone like low budget video nasty with tribal drums and 80’s synth patterns bringing to mind the occult rituals of a cannibal horde. Then as if from nowhere, icy piano and mournfully melancholic violins arise as if to serve as a warning, sending a shiver down the spine. A violent sample introduces “Then We’ll Rise” which hints at Melodic Death Metal before the brutal onslaught switches focus, doubling down on damnation with McEntee’s vicious vocals the call to join the ranks of the dead. A powerful statement piece that demonstrates what these musicians are capable of while paying homage to the grand master that is Romero, its masterfully done in tasteful fashion. Another sample ushers in the sinister urge of “Voodoo Ritual” which then unfurls its Death Groove wings as a McEntee spits venom and blood. Throughout the album he produces a wealth of different voices with death growls and dry raspy moments that give the impression of multiple vocals, his capabilities never failing to surprise. A scorcher of a razor wire solo chemically enhances this one, adding to the down turned downtempo grooves as McEntee gradually becomes more unhinged. Bringing back the John Carpenter film score inspired 80’s synths “Events Of Flesh” is a skull splitting affair of pounding percussion and urgent riffs which finds Fulci vocalist Fiore Stravino at his most evil. Its the first of two songs in the middle of the album to feature him alongside Dog Eat Dog bassist Dave Neabore the pair complimenting the others seamlessly.

The band comment on “Then We’ll Rise“: “This track is inspired by Romero’s masterpiece ‘Day of the Dead’, featuring related audio contributions. Continuing the tradition started by Killjoy, whom we take inspiration from, the lyrics are entirely dedicated to the film’s imagery extreme violence and near-realism. The invitation ‘EAT…’ recalls one of the final scenes that made the movie so iconic. Of course, this also embraces the great director’s vision of awakening consciences, a hallmark of his cinematic legacy“.

Taking us down to the very bowels of hell itself “Open The Gates” wonderfully atmospheric, laced with oppressive sinister moments that are as old school as they come. Stravino’s throat shredding performance is as utterly spellbinding as it is nasty, the sinister riffs swirling around him giving everything a real edge. It also sounds like there has been a change to drums on this one with a tighter less muddy attack keeping you on the edge of your seat. McEntee returns for “The Other Side” a track with an unhinged music box like synth pattern that feels like nails on a chalkboard. Fortunately it only rears its head during the savage chorus because allowing the verses to provide more blood and thunder and the ripper of a solo in the final third makes it all worth while. If you think to can stand the pain, then this is a beast of a track that will test your metal like the spiciest of scotch bonnets. Arguably the most unique track on the album “Burning Moon Sickness” switches between Death Groove, Stoner Metal and Hardcore Punk in seamless fashion, all the while maintaining a cinematic sense of tension and ritualistic atmosphere. That Stoner Metal part has a riff fit for idle worship, the sample of evil laughter in the mid section a moment of utter madness. Last but by no means least “Bloodfreak” brings the bloodstained curtain down on the albums theatrics with another groove laden skull crusher. McEntee cuts the deranged figure in the shadows holding a chainsaw and craving your blood as the guitars chug and drums pound, swift and subtle tempo changes making all the difference. Nothing can prepare you for the onslaught of Season of the Dead [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Necromancy
​2. Then We’ll Rise
​3. Voodoo Ritual
​4. Events Of Flesh
​5. Open The Gates
​6. The Other Side
​7. Burning Moon Sickness
​8. Bloodfreak

“Zombie Chronicles Vol. 1” by Season Of The Dead is out 14th November 2025 via Time To Kill Records and is available over at bandcamp