Lycanthrophy – On The Verge Of Apocalypse

Czech grindcore/powerviolence veterans Lycanthrophy finally released their second full-length titled On the Verge of Apocalypse through American label Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. Their last album was their critically acclaimed self-titled debut from 2010, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been producing material almost constantly, both before and after the aforementioned debut. In typical grindcore tradition, this has mainly taken the form of splits with other important bands in the scene such as F.U.B.A.R., Suffering Mind, The Afternoon Gentlemen, as well as smaller up and coming bands, giving them a much needed platform.

The scene legends that are Lycanthrophy have been around for 25 years and have consistently delivered better and better material over the years, perfectly blending the brutality of grindcore with fastcore/powerviolence ferocity and tempo changes. You could definitely say that along with their fellow countrymen Needful Things and bands like Death Toll 80k, they are one of the greatest grind bands to come out since the late ’90s. The productivity and dedication with which they create their crushing anti-systemic anthems of anger and frustration is something rarely seen these days. They have always stayed true to their DIY origins and continue to do so today.

Lycanthrophy’s new record is a great testament to all of this—with a perfectly timed rhythm section that impeccably matches the unpredictable tempo changes of the buzzing, raw, chaotic riffage, and intense vocals that range from powerviolence shouts, deep growls, and maniacal high-pitched screams are all part of their signature vicious sound. Seemingly chaotic and all over the place, On the Verge of Apocalypse is actually a great lesson in how to create controlled musical chaos without sounding repetitive. The sound is frenetic yet somehow masterfully calculated, the tempo changes more than often unpredictable, creating an atmosphere of absolute grinding madness that will quench the thirst of any noise maniac.

Lycanthrophy have managed to create these 18 tracks in just 17 minutes without sounding formulaic, uninfluenced or tired, while at the same time showing a lot of growth and experience since their last full-length. It is definitely one of the best albums to come out this year and the long wait has been worth every second. Production-wise the album sounds great, mixed and mastered in the legendary Davos Studio in Vyškov and recorded at Shaark Studio. The people behind the production, mixing and mastering do the album a great favor by helping it fully explore its unique sonic atmosphere. It sounds exactly how a modern grindcore record should sound, no overproduction or too clean mix. And with the gruesome apocalyptic artwork by Giulio/Huere Artworks perfectly matching the lyrical and conceptual nature of the album, this release is an all-around perfect example of how true extreme music should present itself.

You can get this album from the grindviolence legends via their official Bandcamp page or through HPGD Productions, who have already released an excellent CD version of the album. Nerve Altar and Wise Grinds Records will release an American LP version and Psychocontrol will release a European LP version soon, a cassette tape is also on the way from Psychocontrol in cooperation with No Time Records. If you’re into grindcore or powerviolence, Lycanthrophy should already be on your radar, but even if they’re not, On the Verge of Apocalypse is the perfect place to start with their music.