The Death Gods of the Russian Hell – PSEUDOGOD
The Russian people have always been behind some of the strangest events in history. A nation that has come close to destroying the world more than once — from Chernobyl to numerous nuclear reactor disasters (most of which were covered up) — has treated atomic experimentation like lighting firecrackers. As a result, Russia's vast lands have become home to mutated, glowing, bird-delusional citizens, underground-dwelling villagers who’ve lost their minds, and cannibalistic townsfolk.
So naturally, the metalheads from such a place are brain-melted maniacs from the deepest pits of hell. Leading the charge is one of the most Satanic bands I’ve ever come across: PSEUDOGOD. Hailing from the city of Perm, these purveyors of old-school Death Metal recently released their debut full-length Deathwomb Catechesis in both 12” vinyl and CD formats through the infamous American label HELLS HEADBANGERS.
These guys take their music deadly seriously and have clearly benefited from the Siberian way of life. For example, they reportedly broke into a morgue in Perm and arranged human body parts into an inverted cross for their album and EP photos. (See: Photo 1, Photo 2).
Musically, this corpse-loving, insane Russian band draws inspiration from acts like Archgoat, Beherit, Blasphemy, Incantation, Black Witchery, Impetigo, Mayhem, early Cannibal Corpse, Demilich, and Canada's own Conqueror.
This 40-minute demonic ritual spans 8 tracks, and not once during its playtime did the thought of death leave my mind (I even got so hyped I started texting people “You’re gonna die,” and got confused replies like, “Uhh... I don’t plan on dying,” haha).
Roaring, echoing brutal vocals, thunderous hellish guitars, and death-summoning war drums combine to create a full-blown death metal feast.
Favorites:
“Azazel”
“Saturnalia (The Night of the Return)”
“The Triangular Phosphorescence”
“Malignant Spears”
“Necromancy of the Iron Darkness”
Track seven, "Encarnación del mal" (as the Spanish name suggests), features guest vocals from Tomas Stench of the infamous U.S. band Morbosidad.
These lunatics, who pose with corpses, constantly cut themselves, and whip their own bodies with chains, were the support act for Morbosidad’s 2009 Moscow show — which I attended. With a coffin-emerging stage image, they delivered a real feast of sadism.
They’ll also be performing this November at the Nuclear War Now! Festival in Berlin alongside titans like Sabbat (JP), Revenge, Blasphemy, Rotting Christ, Dead Congregation, Embrace of Thorns, Morbosidad, Black Witchery, and more — where I’ll get to witness their unholy mass a second time.
The album artwork, done by Kramer of SSP Records (USA), is available in CD, vinyl, picture disc, and limited edition purple vinyl formats. I highly recommend you grab a copy and burn in the fires of the Russian underworld while you're still young.
Get it here:
Hells Headbangers Shop
🔥 Highly recommended for those who crave pure, nihilistic death and chaos. 🔥