Chainsword – Chapter XII

Established in Warsaw, AD. 2016, Chainsword was founded to wage war! A five-men squad designed to spread the flames of conflict and spread a death/doom metal inferno. Chainsword anno 2025 is comprised of: Herr Brummbär (vocals), Sarin Spreizer (guitar), Herr Hoffmann (guitar), Wütender Ente (bass) and Herr Feldgrau (drums).

Chapter XII is their third (mini) album, and first concept album drenched in blood and brutality, diving deep into the lore of Khorne and the World Eaters of Warhammer 40K. In other words we get to hear seven sci-fi, relentless and brutal death metal tracks (five tracks and two bonuses, which are actually the songs that did not fit on the previous album!), done in an old-school manner. The musicianship is pretty solid, with the band showcasing their technical skills and ability to create a crushing atmosphere.

Chapter XII is relentless assault, hitting hard from the first note and maintaining that intensity throughout the seven tracks. A huge credit to the five guys from Chainsword (and to the additional guest performances of Grzegorz “Mroku” Pawłowski – guitar solo on “Foresworn” and Paweł “Miodek” Mioduchowski – vocals on “Butcherhorde”) have to be praised for their ability to deliver another heavy and satisfying listening experience, but also for continuing their tradition/path of delivering powerful and engaging death metal.

Lyrically, everything that is connected with both world wars and Warhammer 40K is their occupation. The production is well-regarded, providing a clear and powerful sound that suits the band’s aggressive old-school style. First of my favourites from Chapter XII is the one called “Gorechild” – which has that Bolt Thrower energy I mentioned earlier, and the one that is lyrically about a huge battleaxe that demands of its owner to be fed blood – daily! Another of my personal favourites is a true killer bonus song, “Good Mourning Vietnam”. Here, the band will delight all those who expected a more brutal sound as we get bombarded by some killer riffs and fast pace rhythm throughout the song.

Chainsword is one of the better old-school death metal worship bands I’ve heard in a while. Especially recommended for worshippers of Bolt Thrower and Warhammer 40k (game), and for fans of old-school death metal, particularly those who enjoy the heavier and more militaristic (war death metal?!) side of the genre.

Just listen, enjoy & join the attack! For additional information on this third assault from this death/doom quintet from Poland visit their bandcamp.