Review by Carl on January 25, 2021.

Death metal/crust it says here, and that indeed describes Subterror adequately, although I'd say this band is 80 percent crust, with the death metal part the remaining 20. Not that it really matters, this still is some brutal pounding stuff, sure to satisfy fans of both genres.

Stylistically you can place Subterror next to metallic crust acts such as Mass Genocide Process, Nuclear Death Terror and Last Legion Alive, and just like the bands mentioned, there certainly is some influence from the old works of the mighty Bolt Thrower, especially their "In Battle There Is No Law!" and "Realm of Chaos" albums. The frame of the music consists of down tuned guitars colliding with pummeling d-beat drumming, with the fitting gruff vocal delivery you might expect from bands in the genre. The bulk of the material dutifully follows this formula, but Subterror has built in some variation among the brutish crust assault in the form of a few subtle guitar harmonies and by taking the foot off the accelerator now and then. These parts usually don't last too long, because before you know it the band has launched into another bout of hammering metallic crust rage. The death metal influence is noticeable in the riffing, albeit not that outspoken. Especially in the closing track, where the influence of (again) Bolt Thrower rears its head in the guitar work, but a slight Morbid Angel touch is present as well. The production fits the music like a glove: it's heavy and has a fitting raw edge to it, making the band's pounding assault come roaring out of the speakers. I find it difficult to sit still when listening to this, because of the relentless drive contained within the music. Unfortunately this EP turned out to be their final offering to the world, which is quite the shame, because this is some seriously ripping stuff!

This is an excellent and belligerent piece of work, well executed, brimming with energy, and it's short duration ensures that the band does not overstay its welcome, although I personally could listen to stuff like this for hours on end without tiring of it. If heavy metallic crustcore with a death metal touch is your bag, you can't afford to miss out on this one!

Rating: 8 out of 10