Review by Alex Grindor on April 10, 2025.

What, at this point, is there to say about Teitanblood that hasn't been said before? The abyssal Spanish group once again vomits upon the underground an offering drenched in black blood and putrescence, one that has caused quite a revolt at the time of release and that serves as a testament that Teitanblood is without equal in scope, atmosphere, and savagery. From The Visceral Abyss is the band's latest exposition in authentic death/black metal of the highest quality and unhinged musicality and, in the eyes of many, THE contender for Album of the Year in the extreme metal spectrum. Albeit, one that is not without some flaws.

The album plays its tricks immediately from the start, deceiving the listener into what seems to be the album's actual sound, only to erupt in its true form mere seconds later, with a savage barrage of blast beats and down-tuned riffs that are the trademark of Teitanblood by this point. This time though, the blade is sharper yet rustier and more fiendish than ever before. The band's trademark sound is one that never leaves the murk; it revels in it. And still, it always manages to be unique, album after album. The strings sound like hellish machinery, the vocals lash out in constant anguish and howling frenzy, as if being recorded in a church at the bottom of a pit in the middle of nowhere. The drums have kicked it up one notch, constantly going faster, harder, demolishing all in its wake. Of course, CG Santos work is present as always and never disappoints, with eerie soundscapes and atmospherics that elevate the band's work in the most precise moments. Oddly enough, and a welcomed surprise for me, From The Visceral Abyss features interesting solos and dissonant arrangements on top of these cataclysmic riffs, which was really unexpected for me but shows that the band is capable of far more than they let us know in their work. Production-wise, there is nothing at all to say. The sound is perfect for the style; abrasive, murky, somewhat mechanized, yet clear enough to discern the details and arrangements that crawl in these songs. The vocals are drenched in reverb, yet their execution is, by far, their most savage since Death.

However, despite my praises for this album, I can't help but notice a couple of details in the album. First, the band seems to be treading some familiar territory. It seems to be taking notes from Death, the band's second album and my personal favorite. While the album is indeed more savage at times, it rarely evokes the same impact Death had. Mostly because faster doesn't mean more brutal (a lesson many bands should learn at this point). Second, and the only major issue for me, track 4; 'Sevenhundreddogsfromhell' is an unnecessary interlude that could have been better as an intro or outro for the next or previous track respectively.

Despite this minutia, Teitanblood have has once again created an outstanding record that many will try to imitate but none shall equal. From The Visceral Abyss is an absurd display of madness that may feel a bit tiresome at moments and treads familiar ground, but with enough new twists that serve as fresh air for this foul corpse. The album is also intended to be a homage to Davthvs, who sadly passed away in 2020, as well as a continuation of his work and, in those regards, it excels masterfully. 'Tomb Corpse Haruspex' may very well be one of the band's finest creations and its ending can very well bring their whole discography full circle, but that is not for me to tell.

I stated some years ago that Death is not only Teitanblood's masterpiece, but the most brutal record ever conceived. I still stand by this fact (and Baneful Choir reinforces it), but From The Visceral Abyss shows the band grazing their pinnacle once again to deliver unrelenting savagery of the utmost quality. Flawed or not, it is mandatory death/black for your ears.

Rating: 9 out of 10