Proclamation - Execration of Cruel Bestiality (2009)

Back in 1989, the Canadians in cult act, Blasphemy, released a demo titled 'Blood Upon the Altar,' which laid the groundwork for a small sub-genre called, War Metal. Essentially a barbarous mixture of black and death metal, raw and utterly relentless in its execution, with lyrics devoted to Satanic principles and Anti-Christian hate, war metal was also known for its members having extreme appearances and equally extreme and long stage names.

Despite still existing, Blasphemy only released two albums in the early half of the 90's, but many bands followed in their footsteps, most notably Finland's Beherit through their album, 'The Oath of Black Blood' in '91. As well many other peddlers of bestial destruction have ravaged ears and stages alike, such as; Revenge, Conqueror, Black Witchery and Goatpenis, all who have carried the flame set by Blasphemy over twenty years ago. Proclamation from Madrid, Spain are one of the newer torch barriers, having formed in '03 and with three demos, one split and four albums behind them they are on course to winning the war.

Commanding the legions over skulls and bones

Here on their third album, 'Execration of Cruel Bestiality,' these Spaniard's deliver authentic and true war metal in that classic and now vintage style of Blasphemy and all that came after them. Opening with an instrumental, 'Prayer Of The Fallen (Intromancy),' which is fifty six seconds of demonic chanting, the band rips into 'Witching Torment,' and the beastly raid begins. Almost instantly the listener is greeted with merciless drumming, ripping chaotic guitar work and brutish inhuman growls.

The production is noticeably raw, in fact rehearsal or garage-ish would be fitting, and so utterly filthy that it leaves you clammy and gross by the time the album expires. The production is also thick and rumbling with all instruments being tortured as far as possible. Utterly deranged and disjoined with violence, Proclamation deliver hateful vibes in a way few others can, and with the only breathers being some short instrumental ambient parts at the end of some songs you know you're in for a hellish romp. Ten songs grace this album for a total of twenty nine minutes, which may seem short, but its more than enough time for these guys to step in and do what they do and leave you demolished.

Proclamation isn't for everyone though, especially if you desire melodic qualities in your music, because they simply don't exist in war metal. I'm a sucker myself for melody, but when I need a quick dosage of pitiless brutality I'll surely be pulling this album off my shelf.