Label: Fetzner Death Records
Genre: Black/Death Thrash Metal
Length: 37:37
This 8-track album, with a total runtime of 37 minutes and 37 seconds, is a concentrated dose of musical violence. From the very first track, Alchemystic, the band establishes a strong thrash/death sound with razor-sharp riffs, relentless drumming, and piercing vocals. The black metal elements adds a sinister touch to this aggressive foundation, especially evident from the introduction of the track Distant Dominion.
The band excels at balancing brutality with melody. Guitar solos are sprinkled throughout the album, offering fleeting moments of respite in this sea of chaos, particularly in tracks like Witches Ritual, where the precision and intricacy of the performance are truly remarkable. Ripping Through Time is a sonic onslaught that offers no respite, at times reminiscent of acts like Bestial Warlust and Destroyer 666, with structures clearly inspired by the extreme metal scene.
The album’s atmosphere is dark and oppressive, with tempo variations that add depth to the compositions. Whether in slower, more deliberate sections or furious accelerations, every track maintains unwavering intensity. Solar Flare Tsunami is a prime example, embodying this uncompromising ferocity. Those unfamiliar with extreme metal may find themselves quickly overwhelmed by the relentless aggression.
Among the standout tracks, Distant Dominion shines with its shifting rhythms, providing much-needed variety. Meanwhile, Esoteric Quake exudes boundless energy, both instrumentally and vocally. The vocalist skillfully navigates between powerful growls and sharp screams, reaching new heights in tracks like Distant Dominion. The vocal performance reaches its peak towards the album's conclusion, particularly on Witches Ritual, where the vocal variations bring the album to a climactic close.
With their debut album Ripping Through Time, Distant Dominion firmly establishes themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the black/death/thrash scene. Brutal, intense, and diverse, this album is sure to appeal to extreme metal worshippers seeking controlled violence and dark atmospheres.
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