Pitchfork is an Extreme Metal band originating from the Netherlands. Established in 2020, the band later released their independent EP titled “Horror Trance”, on the 11th January 2025, five years after their formation.
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Pitchfork, Horror Trance Review: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of Horror Trance
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Pitchfork and their album, Horror Trance
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Characterized by heavy, brutal, fast and aggressive riffs combined with intricate solos and complex riffs, create a dynamic and intense sound. The bass provides a solid foundation and adds to the overall heaviness of their sound. The bass lines are often intricate and follow the guitar riffs closely, adding depth and power to the music. The Second Sin, The Vocals: A mix of deep, guttural growls and aggressive screams that tear through the dark and controversial themes. The Third Sin—The Percussions: A blend of fast, technical patterns and powerful, driving beats. The uses various techniques, including double bass drumming and blast beats, to create a dynamic and intense rhythm section.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion:
Robust and invigorating as a strong cup of coffee, imbued with intensity and a dark, heavy atmosphere reminiscent of the nine circles of hell
Before heading into the review and music, let drive into the background of the band:
“In 2022, having multiple tracks ready, Andrea decides to record an EP through various international collaborations and session players such as Floor Van Kuijk (Korpse), Raphael Saini (Cripple Bastards), Marco Prij (Cryptosis), Marcel Tjepkema (Caedere), Adrian Neagoe (ex-Tragacanth), Jake Shuker (Nargate), Vidal Wildeboer (Millstone) and Glenn Veldman (Headless Hunter).”
“The next step was then to look for a stable formation to play live. That, after a few changes of lineup, has been found in Raaf Atasi, Syrian guitar player (Anomic, Paindemonium), which joined Pitchfork in January 2024, participating in the recording sessions of the EP itself. Robb Vrijenhoek (ex-Pyaemia, ex-Disavowed, ex-Buried) and Emanuele Quaranta (Wormodon), which, respectively at the drums and voice, joined forces in September and December. 2024.” [Pitchfork]
Upon engaging the play button, the listener is immediately welcomed by the introductory track, Horror Trance, which presents a fifty-second soundscape reminiscent of gunfire and conflict. This intense auditory experience sets the stage for the subsequent track, Crossfades, along with the final two pieces, which collectively guide the listener through a lyrical exploration of societal challenges and more sombre themes.
The music not only captivates, but also provokes thought, as it addresses significant issues within society. The combination of these elements renders the overall experience both impactful and profound, inviting the listener to reflect on the more in-depth messages conveyed through the artistry.
Pitchfork‘s Horror Trance is a brief yet impactful experience, lasting only twelve minutes and consisting of three tracks that are designed to obliterate the listener’s senses. This work delivers an exhilarating blend of extreme music that tantalizes the ears and compels headbanging. It efficiently fuses elements from the New Wave of Thrash Metal with the ferocity and weight of death metal. The album incorporates rapid tempos and technical skill characteristic of thrash, alongside the chilling, grim atmosphere of black metal and the relentless pace of grindcore.
At the same time, Pitchfork‘s Horror Trance also draws inspiration from a diverse array of influential bands. These include Slayer, early Sepultura, Kreator, Cannibal Corpse, Lamb of God, Vader, Suffocation, Pantera, Dying Fetus, and Bolt Thrower, among others. This eclectic mix of influences contributes to a sound that is both aggressive and intricate, ensuring that each moment of the album is filled with intensity and depth. The result is a sonic journey that leaves a lasting impression, pushing the boundaries of extreme music.
Pitchfork‘s Horror Trance embodies this forbidden fruit of art, of fast tempos, aggressive riffs, and intense vocals. Their sound is both dynamic and powerful, making them a standout band in the death/thrash metal genre. Their EP Horror Trance showcases their ability to blend different metal elements seamlessly, creating a unique and intense listening experience with their raw, rapid, and ferocious sound, all while being enveloped in contemporary production techniques. Despite this modern approach, the overall production retains the music’s raw and extreme, that enhances the listening experience. The band skilfully infuses their work with a sense of fruit of art devilmanship and artistry that resonates throughout both the musical and lyrical elements of the album.
Overall, Pitchfork‘s Horror Trance may be brief, yet it delivers a gritty, heavy, and brutal auditory experience that captivates the listener. It stands out as one of those delicious delights that can be savoured alongside a morning coffee, as you wake from your night slumber. Leaving a lasting impression with its intense energy and uncompromising style.
Pitchfork’s Horror Trance represents an enticing yet elusive form of artistic expression, characterized by a skilled execution that is both refined and deeply rooted in extensive experience, particularly that of Raaf Atasi. He is well-acquainted with the “Athenaeum of Sin,” where we have previously highlighted and critiqued his other endeavours, including Anomic and Paindemonium.
For those who prefer their music to be as robust and delicious as a strong cup of coffee, imbued with intensity and a dark, heavy atmosphere reminiscent of the nine circles of hell, Pitchfork is the ideal choice.
The album fades away, leaving our ears ringing like a ticking time bomb. We would to give a shoutout to Pitchfork for letting us review their album Horror Trance. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
The Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins of Pitchfork and their album, Horror Trance
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia:
For myself, Pitchfork’s Horror Trance hits like a thunderstorm, unleashing a rapid and intense sonic barrage. As previously noted, with their sound and production having this modern approach, but at the same time, the sound, composition, production, music, and instrumentals all capture a sound that’s deliciously raw, heavy, brutal, and old-school. It explodes like an atomic bomb in your eardrums, sending shockwaves through your very core, soul, and abdominal cavity.
Another factor, I like about this release is the continuous run of the EP, where which piece is separated with periods of atmospheric breaks. While there are individual tracks, I do prefer the continuous run.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
For me, the artwork for Pitchfork’s Horror Trance is straightforward and reflects the lyrics of the music.
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
Nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of Pitchfork and their album, Horror Trance. Therefore, this concludes Pitchfork and their album, Horror Trance review.
Members
Andrea Serra: bass
Robbert Vrijenhoek: drums
Raaf Atasi: guitars
Quasar Quarzior Quartifact: vocals
Track-Listing
01. Horror Trance
02. Crossfades
03. The Grail
04. Pitchfork
