Witch Vomit – Funeral Sanctum

Written by on 13-04-2024 at 18:15.

Years ago I used to watch a lot of basketball when it was still live broadcasted on some sports channel. You know, in the years that Michael Jordan strung together one title after another with the Chicago Bulls. At one point, they played against the Portland Trailblazers with a certain Clyde Drexler among them. Fantastic team, and I gained a lot of appreciation for the team from Portland. Now, in the realm of metal, there are also quite a few quality teams emerging from that area, and among them is the death metal assembly named Witch Vomit. This is their third full-length album, while they have released three EP’s as well. This one comes via 20 Buck Spin Records and the big question is whether this is a slam dunk or not.

Since 2012, the band with the fantastic name Witch Vomit (how metal can you get?), has been delivering filthy death metal. After their debut released via Memento Mori from Spain, they were picked up by 20 Buck Spin, often a first indication of quality. Their previous releases have been predominantly well-received, as evidenced by the positive review written by colleague Maud of the EP Abhorrent Rapture. The music of Witch Vomit is predominantly heavy as Hell. With a deeply rooted death growl from vocalist Tempter enhancing the mix. What I like about this band, however, is that behind that facade of bleakness lies much beauty. The band proves to be a master at handling the accelerator. The speed variations are numerous. From slow dragging sludge bordering on doom metal, we smoothly transition into controlled higher gears, even to stray blastwork. Additionally, we also hear well-thought-out riffs that really stick with you.

 

The core of the repertoire of Witch Vomit has not changed since the first EP. And it hasn’t on this most recent album, Funeral Sanctum, either. The same ingredients of the good old times are abundant, yet you also notice the band’s development. I find the overall sound somewhat less dirty and there seems to be more room for emotion in the songs. A mood of darkness is occasionally poured over you, concealing dark melodies. This is immediately evident during the intro Dying Embers. The first real track Endless Fall has that typical Witch Vomit death metal sound with delicious riffs. It’s an upbeat song with enjoyable variations built-in. Naturally, it’s heavy as hell. I notice that the doom aspects are slightly less present and that the slower parts sound a bit smoother, with plenty of room for cool riffs and wailing solos. A sign of the aforementioned development are the tracks Blood Of Abomination and Dominion Of A Darkened Realm, where they even allow a black metal touch with riffs that could evoke a Dissection feeling, as they claim. And let’s not forget to mention the dark and sensitive instrumental interlude Abject Silence. A beautiful and creepy moment of rest.

One of the main questions was whether this album became a slam dunk. And for me, the answer may unequivocally be yes. This has become a very complete album on which Witch Vomit has clearly evolved without losing its typical characteristics. This adds depth to the album, which is pleasant. Ultimately, this is just a beastly release. The groove infused into Funeral Sanctum makes it difficult to type out a review because the urge to start moving along is strong!

Score:

86/100

Label:

20 Buck Spin Records, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. Dying Embers (Intro)
  2. Endless Fall
  3. Blood Of Abomination
  4. Serpentine Shadows
  5. Decaying Angelic Flesh
  6. Black Wings Of Desolation
  7. Dominion Of A Darkened Realm
  8. Endarkened Spirits
  9. Abject Silence (Interlude)
  10. Funeral Sanctum

Line-up:

  • Tempter – Vocals, guitars
  • Filth – Drums
  • JG – Bass
  • CL – Guitars

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