3rd November 2024

Review: “Ravenous To Kill” (Alternative Version) by Bonesawer

Hailing from Augsburg Germany, Death Metal purveyors Bonesawer are an unholy trinity shrouded in mystery. Influences in Deicide and Behemoth are cited with the band choosing a distinctly old school writing style for their logo. The question is, after one look at the graveyard of the damned, will you dare adventure in to steal the golden chalice? Or is this temple of doom one best left to rot for another thousand years?

A savage beating with a crowbar from the very start “Free Your Soul” has obvious influences in the so called golden era of Death Metal of the 90s. Restless and relentless blasting is enough to cause earthquake like tremors as the ground beneath our feel shakes during the first listen. Good use of guitar layering means that you have clear rhythm and lead parts with one player giving the impression of two, the riffs mixing up that Death Metal chug with moments of atmosphere while also reaching Grindcore depravity at points. Screamer Alex does sound like he’s doing an impression of a certain South American vocalist at points but that’s part of the charm. If you’re not sold on that description then don’t bother reading any further because “Ravenous To Kill” follows very similar holding patterns, dancing with death on the thirteenth floor before throwing her off the balcony. The drumming is once again incredible as the band prove they can do dark atmospheres, crushing groove and blackened edges effortlessly. Changing the angle of attack to introduce some Death Thrash vibes “Bonesawer” could well be the track that the band chose to name themselves after. An almost theatrical vocal performance finds the band pushing their boundaries without deviating too far from the left hand path. Mixing up the growls with some shriller moments makes this headbangable affair perfectly placed to win you over and curiously it stops on a dime when it could quite easily go another year before the knock out blow. All in all a tight collection of savage cuts that will leave you doing your best Oliver Twist impression [7.5/10]

Track Listing