Archaic Thorn – Malicious Spears

German death metal trio, going under the moniker of Archaic Thorn, has been active on the local death metal underground scene since 2010. The unholy trio of CL (guitars), MF (vocals & bass) and TR (drums) has been evolving steadily from their early 2013 demo Hydra Throats through the 2015 EP In Desolate Magnificence to their acclaimed debut album entitled Eradication (2020).

Now we just to their second studio album called Malicious Spears, consisting of the following seven tracks:

1. Lord of Tombs
2. A Blessed Ground Remains
3. Conquering Spirits
4. Advancing without Mercy
5. Massgrave Transformation
6. Angel of Havaz
7. Malicious Spears

On Malicious Spears, released via High Roller Records, the Saxon trio continues their musical path, all without losing their original ferocity. Thus, the new album picks up where the band left off in 2020. In other words; there is something cruel, barbaric, violent and nasty in their approach to the songwriting. It’s perfectly emphasized with the lyrical themes that continue to revolve around ‘occultism, death, war, and damnation’ – themes that are also reflected in the eye-catching cover artwork by Sadistik Exekution vocalist Rok. Apart from very interesting lyrics I would like to praise their organic and improved production – aiming for a natural sound with modern punch, mixed/mastered by Christoph Brandes.

There’re obviously some variations among the seven tracks performed here, but all of them have specific common features; thus more or less all seven (lengthy) tracks feature some heavy, filthy, distinctive yet catchy riffs, fast drum blast beats, dark and groovy bass chugs, guttural vocals, and overall a dark atmosphere. On Malicious Spears the trio is combining their brutal sound with themes of meaninglessness, decay, and existential dread, while using the aforementioned dark atmosphere (dissonance, low-fi and crushing heaviness) to mirror the void, human futility, often reflecting philosophical ideas about life’s absurdities.

If you were a fan of Archaic Thorn before then there’s a big chance you’ll also enjoy this latest ritual, but Malicious Spears is also a kind of record that is likely to win Archaic Thorn a host of new fans. I think it will especially appeal to fans of Possessed, Degial, Necrovore, Dismember, Venom, Necrophagia, Repugnant, Dead Congregation, Grave Miasma and those liking classic/old-school death metal in general.

For more information on this particular sophomore album from Archaic Thorn visit the bandcamp.