Label: Vicious Witch Records
Genre: Black/Speed Metal
Length: 36:38
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Endless Witchcraft is the debut album from Demonslaught 666, a black/speed metal band hailing from China. This is my first time reviewing an Asian band, and it's a discovery that's not lacking in intensity! Founded in 2020, the band quickly made their mark with two EPs: Speed Alcoholic Evil (2021) and Nekroslaughter Battlefield (2022). In 2024, they took things to the next level with their debut album Endless Witchcraft, released via UK label Vicious Witch Records in digital format and on cassette (limited edition of 66 copies).
Featuring eight tracks totalling 36 minutes and 38 seconds, this album delivers incisive speed metal incorporating black metal elements. The guitars are sharp and fast, supported by aggressive drums and furious vocals that stand out particularly on Witchcraft & Tempestuous Fire and Phantom Witch. The whole is remarkably intense, with a frantic pace that never lets up, while staying rooted in a dark black metal atmosphere with a violent edge reminiscent of old-school thrash.
Cetain moments on the album that particularly stood out for me. The opening track, Deadly Autumn, features an excellent performance at 2:47, a key moment that showcases the quality of the songwriting. On Evil Hammer Force, a devastating solo emerges at 2:06, reinforcing the track's impact. Banshee delivers a ferocious vocal performance and thrash compositions reminiscent of Kreator's early days of Endless Pain and Pleasure to Kill, including an impressive scream at 3:10.
On Phantom Witch, the structure evolves brilliantly at 3:21, followed by a masterful solo. Unspeakable Evil hits hard with an infernal scream at 1:25, accompanied by pounding drums that leave no respite. The title track, Endless Witchcraft, contains an impeccable solo at 2:49 (this is the second solo on this trak), demonstrating the band's instrumental mastery. Finally, Eternity, Darkness & Damnation gains in intensity at 4:11 thanks to furious blast beats, which become even more percussive at 4:47, accompanied by hellish vocals.
Among my favourites tracks, Witchcraft & Tempestuous Fire stands out with its brutal energy and intense vocals. Banshee will delight old-school thrash worshippers, while Phantom Witch impresses with its strong songwriting and ferocious vocal performance. Unspeakable Evil undoubtedly the most intense track on the album, with uninterrupted energy from start to finish. And Endless Witchcraft continues the frenzy with a relentless build-up of power.
With Endless Witchcraft, Demonslaught 666 deliver an explosive debut album, where speed metal and black metal meet in a whirlwind of rage and aggression. It's the perfect offering for worshippers of old-school extreme metal!