Band's List Death Doom Vastum Carnal Law

Founded two years ago by the best part of Death Crust band Acephalix (tribute to Amebix ?), it’s only in January 2011 that US Vastum put out their first physical release with their demo entitled “Carnal Law”. It then takes only a few breaths to see young label 20 Buck Spin, which lately seem to sign just about everyone just like Earache did in their time some 20 years ago, sign the band all the sudden and offer them their very first deal. Tracks from the demo get some kind of lifting and “Carnal Law” is soon to be re-released with a new cover as a MCD in which just about everyone can now discover this act coming from the New World.

They may be “New World" but certainly one shouldn’t expect anything new or innovative from Vastum nonetheless. From the very first riff of Primal Seduction, Vastum play Death Metal with strong hints at Doom Metal and therefore the obvious reference seems to be Autopsy. Although the lineage is more than obvious, Vastum’s sound is not overly greasy and raw the way Reifert’s band used to play and there is some finesse here and a taste for melodies very reminiscent of Heartwork-era Carcass.

The overall results are more than great even though it may be expected that hardcore Autopsy fans will not find it up to their tastes since Vastum’s aforementioned finesse and a somehow too clean production may turn most of them off. Some may also oppose that the five tracks found on the MCD suffer from too great a linearity but this hybrid and yet seldom heard mix best described by Autopsy meet Carcass makes up for more than you could ask for and let it be said again it’s only these guys’ first demo.

Expect very low tuned guitars a la Autopsy, down-tempo parts to break your neck slow motion but also half-Heavy Metal half-Melodeath riffing a la Heartwork. Topping the cake is this monstrous pair of mad growlers on par with the best out there made up of Leila whose supposedly weaker sex will impress the most seasoned DM vocalists with her Walkerian growls and Dan, which I can’t but compare to Antonio’s vocals (Freakhate, here again Autopsy worship) or even to guttural Lord Ivan Bloodhunter from Mexico's Denial.

Let there be no doubt about it, this band is to be followed in the near future since their very first release shows maturity and musical prowess, wedding the principles of supposedly two opposed Death Metal schools that we all thought would mix together as well as oil and water.

Coming out of the Bay Area/San Francisco, my old stomping grounds and where some of the finest death and thrash metal acts have risen, Vastum has shown they are ready to play with the big boys. Signing on with Indie label 20 Buck Spin, this death metal outfit is preparing to release their full-length album “Carnal Law” at the end of May. Fans of old school death metal you might want to pay attention because this one’s for you. Vastum has managed to spew out some of the most wretched metal I have not heard in awhile. Very stripped down and raw, Vastum’s musicianship is tight and the lyrical content dabbles in sexual and psychic disfiguration. Might I add that the female in the band kicks major ass? Yes, she does. Leila supplies a viciousness that I love. Dan (vocals), Kyle (guitar), Leila (vocals, guitar), Luca (Bass), RD (drums) have all harnessed in their talents together making this album very powerful.

The opener, “Primal Seduction”, enters with killer guitar riffs and demonic vocals supplied by Leila and Dan. “Re-Member” begins more somber but is slowly carried out into more of an up tempo beat with Dan’s vocals supplying an endless amount of brutality. “Devoid” carries that classic death metal chugging and the vocals carry an insane amount of power. I want to say it’s Leila and Dan both on this track, and if it is, they fit each other’s style perfectly. They then manage take it up another notch with an awesome guitar solo at headbanging speed.

“Umbra Interna” drips with pure evil, with a melancholy rhythm and the kind of vocals that make your skin crawl. “Spirit Abused” is a great closer again with both Dan and Leila showing off their skills of demonic power. Although Vastum is fairly new to the scene they carry the spirit of old school death metal with full force, they know how to harness that strength in and make it their own. You definitely want to go out and pick up a copy of “Carnal Law”!

17/20