Vanquishment - black metal debut from Washington State, U.S.

Vanquishment

Dogfights

May 15th, 2024

1. Dogfights (On the Horizon) 03:55

2. Alpine Trenches 03:52

3. Fusional Bombardment 04:17

total time 12:04

C. Barthels - drums (ex-Abject Offering, ex-Empyrean)

J. Bowens - guitars, bass (Open Grave, ex-Minas Tirith, ex-Helcaraxë, ex-Humanicide, ex-Kult ov Azazel)

J. Knowlton - guitars, vocals (ex-Dioghaltas, ex-Sacrament ov Impurity, ex-Weary, Entrails, ex-Kömmand [live])

Even though it is accurate that while there are only three songs that comprise the debut by this Washington State, U.S. black metal band, the recording is much better than you would otherwise surmise. The first trait that caught my attention was the overall sound quality. The traditional black metal style of the vocals, the ripping tone of the guitars, and the liveliness of the rhythm section. In addition, the war-themed lyrics read like a documentary on modern warfare strategies, techniques and terrains. Supporters of traditional black metal—the genre that focuses on headbanging music, on riffs and melodies—may be more than well pleased by the sense that the musicians are using their combined, considerable experience to make no-nonsense, intense, headbanging music, but that also avoids rock music’s low IQ elements, such as dumb lyrics or the fake-persona gimmickry or the glorification of stupidity. In other words, the music is enjoyable and there is no need to warn listeners that they must lower their expectations because the vocals may be subpar, the guitar work may lack skill or that there may not be much in the way of the rhythm section or that the lyrics may be total garbage. Lastly, I have also enjoyed the sound and personality of the drumming. There are quite a few details to be heard when one listens closely to the drumming. Of course, I do not know how much tinkering they have done to the drumming, but fortunately it does not sound like computer software clinical plastic perfection. In addition, it is very nice to hear a full rhythm section on this recording, with both the bass and drums.

https://www.facebook.com/vanquishmentband/