The moment the listener hits the play button, they are immediately met with the fierce and chaotic sounds of A Nightmare Grotesque, which unleashes a powerful instrumental and vocal onslaught. Continuing this intense journey, the second track, Strange Matter, along with the following nine pieces, plunges the listener into a grimy, decayed world of extreme metal. It is crafted for those who dare to venture beyond the ordinary and are ready for a wild ride.
Cursed Bloodlines delivers a captivating experience with their album Virulent, a fifty-minute voyage into the depths of eleven relentless hymns that fuse an array of musical elements. Prepare to be immersed in a rich tapestry of classic thrash metal, European folk metal, both modern and old-school death metal, groove metal, and black metal. The result is a sound that is not only intense and raw but also exudes a powerful, visceral energy that resonates deeply within.
At the same time, Cursed Bloodlines and their album Virulent showcase an unrelenting force and chaotic, and carnivorous atmosphere, pulling listeners into the filthy, decayed realm of instruments that are well-composed and arranged—both music and lyrics. All of this is delivered by this fruit of art, devilmanship. Within this devilmanship, Cursed Bloodlines presents a seductive blend of artistry and devilmanship, anchored by Tim Morris on bass, who crafts a robust and unwavering foundation. Brian Oakes, and Ken McBride‘s twin guitar devilmanship, unleashes a torrent of aggressive riffs and entrancing rhythms that slice through the soundscape with ferocious grooves.
Jeremy Conklin drum work is relentless and powerful, driving the intensity of the music with fast-paced rhythms and complex patterns. Meanwhile, Malcolm Driggs delivers vocals that are nothing short of visceral, his raw and brutal screams cut through the dark and intense lyrics with a fierce and commanding presence. The sound of the band is a raw and unfiltered experience, meticulously produced to achieve a perfect balance between modernity and a gritty, decaying essence. Each note resonates with an authenticity that refuses to be dulled by contemporary production techniques.
Instead, the recording captures a sense of primal energy, ensuring that the music remains true to its roots while still embracing a polished finish. This unique approach to production allows Cursèd Bloodlines to maintain a sense of authenticity, with every element of their sound reflecting a commitment to rawness and intensity. This results in a powerful auditory journey that feels both fresh and timeless, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a musical art, where creativity and darkness intertwine seamlessly. Cursed Bloodlines is ability to blend these contrasting elements creates a powerful and unforgettable listening experience, dedicated to producing engaging and cutting-edge music while staying true to their roots and ideals.
As the album comes to a close, and the listener’s ending nightmare and the closing piece, The Rats in the Walls. Which is based on the short story by American author H. P. Lovecraft. Written in August–September 1923, it was first published in Weird Tales, March 1924. We would like to thank The Metallist PR for allowing us to review Cursed Bloodlines and their album Virulent.
