Black Rabbit is a concept-driven death metal band from Apeldoorn (The Netherlands). Even though they’ve shared the stage with giants like Baest, Vader and Pestilence, this is my first encounter with this Dutch quintet. Line-up of the band is comprised of; Nino Thomas (vocals), Jelle Brekelmans (guitar), Hidde Hofland (guitar), Thijs Mulder (bass) & Koen van der Voet (drums).

Chronolysis (combines ‘chronoception’ and ‘sleep paralysis’) is the moniker of their latest EP, released by the band itself. Prior to the release of Chronolysis they’ve released an EP entitled Warren Of Necrosis (2020) and a 2023 debut full-length, Hypnosomnia. Where Hypnosomnia explored the boundary between dreams and reality, on their latest EP they delve deeper into the horror of sleep paralysis.

Track list:

1. Malevolent Glare
2. Paracusia
3. Pity the Mind of the Frail and the Feeble
4. To Be Alive, To Walk This Earth, That Is My Curse
5. Rancid Taste of Horror

Thus, each track from Chronolysis represents one of the five senses; sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste, translating the victim’s torment into sound and lyrics. EP opens with “Malevolent Glare” (watch the video below), which is mainly a superfast thrash metal assault with a death metal undertone. If that opening track didn’t win you over, then the following “Paracusia” definitely will. It’s a violent, energetic, venomous and fast-paced track, delivered at breakneck speed. The inclusion of tribal drum fills, some gang chantings and finally the mournful cellos, spice things up, making it unpredictable, exciting and varied song. Third track is called “Pity the Mind of the Frail and the Feeble”, and for the first time on this EP the band shows a more sorrowful and dark side, by adding some sludge elements to their sound. “To Be Alive, To Walk This Earth, That Is My Curse“ (probably the longest song title in the history of the band!?) is the next track with a melancholic touch in cellos and a female clean vocal which adds an ethereal moment. The closing one “Rancid Taste of Horror” is also the longest track of this EP. It starts slowly, for gradually becoming a real headbanger anthem. It features another impressive vocal performance, fantastic guitar work and the finest solo of the entire EP.

Five musicians, with diverse influences, are together forging a dynamic, relentless yet refined sound, which can be called ‘their own thrashing death metal’ trademark sound; being fast-paced, but also groovy and sludgy at the same time!

Although only 24 minutes long, listening to Chronolysis was an intense and hypnotising experience, which needs at listen a couple of additional spins before it really settles in. Recommended for fans of thrash-, sludge- and death metal. I sincerely hope that Chronolysis will get some airplay in your homes, as I think it’s totally worth your attention. In the meantime find out more on this latest EP from Black Rabbit at their official website or their bandcamp.