If I were to make a list right now of the bands I most want to release a new album, Gospel of the Horns would definitely make it into the top ten. Hailing from Melbourne—a city that has birthed its fair share of metal filth—these Australians have always been masters at injecting the venom of black metal and thrash straight into your veins. From their debut EP Eve of the Conqueror to their latest full-length Realm of the Damned, they've remained fiercely consistent. Yet this most recent blow hits with an extra dose of necro energy, this time refined by a solid production that finally does their sound justice.
One standout trait of this album is the clear spotlight it casts on the band’s punk-based riffing, Motörhead-style rhythms, and even Slayer-esque passages from the early days. Whether blazing at full speed or slowing down into a mid-tempo stomp, every track oozes aggression and a witchy, hostile atmosphere. Though technicality isn't often something fans expect—or even want—from bands like this, it's worth pointing out that the members have noticeably upped their playing game. Even more impressive is how well-balanced the instrumentation is throughout.
Mark Howitzer’s venomous, gurgling vocals—oozing with whispered malevolence—have become a signature part of the band’s identity. And if you listen closely, you’ll even catch some rock’n’roll-style riffs woven into the mix. Speaking of vocals, the harsh gang shouts in some choruses add a raw punk touch that further sets the band apart.
The album bursts open with “Trial by Power,” a furious speed/black metal assault loaded with hatred and built on simple but high-energy riffing. What makes it memorable, though, is the transition into a seductive mid-tempo section—followed by a return to speed—that hooks you in completely. “Death Sentence,” one of the most commanding tracks at nearly six minutes, keeps things in mid-tempo but shines with its haunting chorus riffs and piercing, emotive solos.
The war-themed “1915” feels like a direct tribute to the ANZAC legacy, with its tightly structured rhythm and martial energy. “Retribution,” with its blasting sections, leans more toward death metal intensity. And if you're craving another full-speed battering like the opening track, you’ll find both Realm of the Damned and the storming “Strength Through Fear” (just before the outro) ready to rip you apart.
I wouldn’t call this the band’s most “brutal” release—because in truth, their earlier recordings were more savage and primitive in tone. Still, these furious Australians have crafted a rock-solid, expertly balanced black-thrash album that absolutely commands the listener’s attention.