2010 was a fully loaded year for black/death metal assaults. From Black Witchery, Diocletian, and Blasphemophagher, to Deathhammer, Dishammer, Nocturnal Blood, Impaled Nazarene, and Bastard Priest, listeners didn’t just get rattled—they were completely obliterated. These Australian warriors were among those who emerged into the infernal underground with their first full-length this year. While the disbanding of Nocturnal Graves was a blow, it’s clear that Decaylust is now pouring even more energy into Denouncement Pyre, and this album makes that crystal clear.
Before hearing this record, one might’ve considered the departure of Chris Volcano—a man who had wielded sticks in countless bands across the Aussie metal scene—a disadvantage. But that doesn’t seem to have affected the result much, as InVotan proves to be a sharp and agile drummer throughout.
Consisting of eight black/death barbarities clocking in at 36 minutes, this new release channels everything from Sarcófago, Blasphemy, Morbid Angel, and Angelcorpse to Mayhem, Darkthrone, and Bathory. Thanks to a mature production, the album boasts a vibrant and punchy sound, full of energy and clarity. The guitar riffs heavily lean toward the band’s black metal side. The tracks are fluid and fast-paced, but this time around, there’s also a hint of melody woven in. Decaylust’s deep demonic snarls and harsh vocal abrasions may not be polished, but they certainly aren’t lacking either—listen to the album in one sitting and you're bound to get hooked on its exquisite black metal riffage.
As mentioned, this is a record made up of tightly structured, energetic tracks that you can devour in one sitting. Right after a 50-second intro filled with hellish, apocalyptic ambiance, "Black Womb of Magdalene" kicks in—a magnificent opener with a chorus riff and overall progression that instantly grips you. The next standout, "Purification," follows a mysterious 4–5 second intro and unfolds in mid-tempo before launching into a sharp and swift solo, making it perhaps the album’s most distinctive track.
With its primitive, unhinged black metal riffing, "A Banner Drenched in Blood" spikes the insanity level, while tracks like "Salvation, The Fading Light" reveal the band's multifaceted identity with their darker undertones. "Engulfed Temples", meanwhile, leans more into death metal, stepping further from the band’s black metal tendencies.
Think of this as an ideal black/death metal album where you can’t help but replay the same parts over and over despite the repetitive riffing. Fans of Angelcorpse, Morbid Angel, ‘80s thrash/black metal, and the rawest forms of True Norwegian Black Metal will find plenty to appreciate here. One thing is for sure—Denouncement Pyre are absolutely on the right path.