Review by Felix on April 29, 2019.

Thrash metal thunderstorm! I am really impressed. Distillator from the Netherlands achieve a level of intensity that many of their competitors do not even reach in their wildest dreams. A maximum of density coalesces with an overdose of determination and passion. They romp like hyperactive children who have consumed the entire stocks of energy drinks of their chemicals-loving parents. (Due to many recommendations of an absolutely perfect woman, I have also begun to drink this healthy liquid. Unfortunately, I haven't even achieved the smallest degree of perfection so far... but I guess this does not matter in this context.) Furthermore, they know the roots of this unique music style. Of course, it is impossible to improve a classic like "Black Magic", but Distillator's adaption is probably the worthiest Slayer cover ever. The fury, the precision, the explosiveness after the intro sequence, the breathtaking velocity and the ear-splitting, well-dosed old school high-pitched screams - so many single components give this monument new life. Slayer loses against their own composition! I don't need to learn new lyrics! Fantastic! It's great to listen to this crossfire, even though the band does not need to pick up other people's compositions. Their own songs also trigger a violent orgy of devastation and leave no stone unturned. 

Already the short intro brings the dead back to life in view of its mind-blowing, raid-like guitars. "Perceiving Presence" and the marginally less thunderous "Gates of Autonomy" split skulls in abundance as well, but everything culminates with the absolutely larger than life thrash metal inferno called "Swarm Intelligence". Of course, already Eruption knew that "nothing stops the swarm", but Distillator are much more furious, ecstatic and reckless than their competitors from Slovenia. (Nevertheless, everybody with a weakness for great thrash must check Eruption as well.) In short, if Distillator release a full-length of that quality and with such a powerful, clear but not sterile production, the kings of furious, modern thrash (Terrifier - whoever else?) could be confronted with the fact that their throne begins to crumble. Be that as it may, Distillator deserve no less than 100% for this riotous demonstration of power, might and frenzy. (A worthy percentage for review 1.111, isn't it?)

It goes without saying that Space Chaser from Germany have no chance against the Dutch domination. (But at the same time, they profit from the strength of their partners as long as we cannot give two ratings for split albums of two bands.) The five-piece follows a less brutal approach and sometimes they remind me of the more vehement songs of Trauma's debut "Scratch and Scream". But they don't lack currishness and do their best to add value to the split as well; and, by the way, they are successful. Does the band deliver anything new? No, but the dudes know their craft and their mid-harsh thrash compositions show no major deficiencies. Only minor details like the slightly vapid intro or the rather feeble background vocals hurt the coherent overall picture, while the traditional lead vocals reveal an unexpected variety. The lead singer sounds like the little brother of Bobby Blitz. However, Sanctuary, early Anthrax and Overkill shimmer through the songs and these are good references. You see, Space Chaser are anything but a bunch of incompetent losers. Both their own compositions (especially "Virus" and "Waves") and the cover version hit the nail on the head. Their only misfortune is that they are put together with an enemy in top form. 76% for their strong performance and for you, dear reader, the recommendation to get this split as soon as possible.

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Review by Yener on May 20, 2019.

I have been waiting a long time for this album. Unlike a lot of people, I didn't have any problems with Carnival is Forever even though most people I've talked to don’t really care for that album. And I admit, when I first got it, I gave it a few uninspired listens, then just put it on the shelf and forgot about it. Not quite sure what prompted me to pick it back up a year later and give it another spin, but when I did, I found myself not listening to anything else. Over time it really grew on me, to the point where I prefer it to previous Decapitated albums.

So to be perfectly honest, I was hoping for more of the same, and Blood Mantra pretty much does just that. However, it does it far better than I would have expected. This is going to sound like blasphemy, but I think this is now my favorite Decapitated album. Why? Because I see it as the band finally matured and found their feet, their own style. While Winds of Creation (while being the great album that it is) was pretty… how do I say this... it sounds like it was written by teenagers, which it was.

Decapitated are much further into their careers now, and yes, it’s like a completely different band. Gone are the speedy, death metal sections in favor of more rhythm driven guitar playing. That’s not to say that this album doesn't have an abundance of great riffs on it, because it does. It’s just that the style is so different it’s completely silly to even compare the old and new Decapitated. Anyway, onto the what really matters: the music.

The album kicks off with “Exiled in Flesh”, before launching into “The Blasphemous Psalm to the Dummy God Creation”, and I must say, this is exactly what I was wanting to hear. Untraditional guitar work, excellent drumming, and just a rhythmic powerhouse. I was a tad disappointed when Krimh left the band, but new drummer Mlody appears to be doing a damn fine job.

The production and sound on this album are worth nothing. It’s pretty similar to Carnival is Forever, but meatier, with thicker, angrier guitars. Vocals are nicely laid in the mix, which is a good thing, as I have no problems with Rafal’s style, he fits the music perfectly. Someone like Sauron would just not complement the music well, and as I have said before, that’s all in the past now. The drums and bass are nice and clear, nothing too exceptional or flashy here, they just do their jobs well and serve the songs the way they are meant to be served.

The title track is just an absolute monster, it just oozes greatness and class. That opening riff is killer. The verse riffs are killer. The breakdown at 3:56 is killer. The band are in top form and at this point they’re just knocking it out. This is some seriously heavy and addictive song writing. “Nest” sees Vogg taking an even more rhythmic approach to guitar playing here, but not in the Meshuggah sense really, though I could see how some people could find similarities, even though to me the two bands sound nothing alike. 

What really kicked me in the face was “Instinct”, probably my favorite song on the album. The riffing is just masterfully crafted, and you can tell that a lot of work and care went into this song. Not just the riffs, but in the arrangement as well, which is what truly makes it shine. The breakdown at 3:34 and the section which follows right after is probably one of the best things I have ever heard from Decapitated. “Red Sun” gives you a bit of room to breathe before delivering the final blow in the form of “Moth Defect.”

I've heard some people accuse Vogg of abusing the low E string and calling them nu-metal. Either those people have dicks lodged firmly in their ears or have no idea what they are listening to. Too much chugging? Abusing the low E? May I point you in the direction of “Spheres of Madness”? That’s what I thought.

Overall, I was very impressed by this album, and I had set the bar quite high, even though I tried not to, so I wouldn't be disappointed with the end result. But disappointed was the last thing I was, as this is a serious slab of just straight up, quality metal. The boys from Poland are on top form, and this is not to be missed.

Rating: 8.6 out of 10