Label: Morbid Shrine ProductionsGenre: Black/Thrash/Death Metal
Length: 14:39
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Today I'm going to be talking about the Allegiance in Torment EP by Funebre Devastation, released last May. But before we dive in, let's take a moment to find out more about this Spanish black/thrash/death metal outfit. The band was formed in 2013 under the name Neverendinghate, before adopting their current name in 2018. Their debut album Rebirth of the Cursed Spectre was released in 2019, followed by Vehement Doomination in 2022. To be honest, I haven't listened to these two albums yet, but their latest EP is particularly convincing.
Allegiance in Torment is an intense short format of 14 minutes and 39 seconds, made up of four tracks. It has been released on CD and digitally via Morbid Shrine Productions. From the very first seconds, the listener is caught up in a surge of fast thrash/death riffs, enhanced by black metal ambiences and structures. The guitars take centre stage, supported by percussive drums and furious vocals. The band control the tempo variations, offering an old-school mix reminiscent of legends such as Celtic Frost, Venom and even Bathory in their early days.
Among my EP highlights, the eponymous Allegiance in Torment particularly stands out. From 1:58 onwards, a gloomy black metal atmosphere sets in, followed by screaming vocals and a striking solo at 3:37. On Mortal Prophetic Silence, the vocals and dark atmospherses create palpable tension. At 0:39, a remarkable guitar performance attracts attention, then at 2:17, a scream of rage introduces a raw, implacable sequence that will leave no one indifferent.
My favourite track is Battle of Awakening. What really appealed to me were the heavy atmospheres, particularly around 1:40 where the bass becomes clearly audible, before a perfectly placed acceleration from 2:04 onwards. Finally, on the last track, Metal Ungods the vocals reach a climax: the bestial scream at 1:58 is of rare potency, while the guitar solo at 2:25 crowns this explosive finale.
With Allegiance in Torment, Funebre Devastation deliver an EP that's intense, sincere and deeply rooted in the extreme traditions of metal. An excellent blend of rage and atmosphere that deserves to be listened to at maximum volume. A fine achievement that makes me want to explore their discography further.