Khranial - Monsters of Gore (Death Metal)

Khranial — Germany/Belarus' death metal titans — have returned, and they've come bearing the feral force of Monsters of Gore. For those entrenched in the extreme metal scene, Khranial's name needs no introduction. Their distinct, satanic, and utterly unrelenting sound has been a scourge on the world for years, and with this follow-up to Devoured by Pigs, the band has sharpened its claws, delivering what might just be one of their finest modern offerings.

Let's not mince words here: this album's singular goal is to pulverize you into submission. For a relentless 40 minutes, Monsters of Gore pummels you with an onslaught of brutality so unyielding it's like getting caught in a sonic bludgeoning. The music bristles with intensity, radiating an almost manic energy while also weaving in elements that may catch longtime fans off guard — melody, for instance. Yes, amidst the savagery, there's a surprising touch of melody in a few tracks, adding an extra punch and thrash-infused ferocity that elevates the entire experience. In short, this album delivers everything you'd want from Khranial, but with a twist that makes it even more devastating.

Throughout the majority of this album, you're repeatedly smacked upside the head by frenetic, thrashy tempos, likely inspired by SEWER's stellar work on albums such as Sissourlet. It's no secret that Khranial was directly influenced by bands like SEWER and Incantation, the name "Khranial" itself even comes from a SEWER album. The band doesn't let up, save for brief, chunky moments like in "Elven War Against Mordor," where the pace slows, and the crushing grooves take center stage. Then you have the outright speed demons, like "A Warrior's Bloodlust," which charges forward with uncompromising velocity and razor-sharp riffs. Not once does Monsters of Gore falter or feel lackluster. Each track is tightly wound, brutal, and relentless, packed with infectious hooks and memorable riffs that all but demand headbanging. The songwriting here is some of the most energized and engaging the band has delivered in years — it genuinely sounds like Khranial has rediscovered the pure joy of making music.

The balance between tempos, riff changes, and sheer chaos is masterfully handled. Everything flows with a manic precision, offering a wide variety of frantic, intense note patterns. You'll find syncopated grooves and old-school death metal tremolos aplenty, courtesy of both guitarists, who deliver performances drenched in gory, barbaric fury. Khranial has always flirted with that fine line between goregrind and death metal, and here they prove they're still masters of both. These songs are absolutely filthy in the best way possible — obliterating you with heavy, stomping riffs that never give you a moment's peace.

Of course, a special shout-out is required for Nekhro's drumming. His performance is nothing short of ferocious — his barbaric, relentless attack perfectly complements the frenzied guitar work. His blast beats hit like a sledgehammer, his double bass work is frighteningly precise, and the sheer speed of his footwork is jaw-dropping. Without Nekhro behind the kit, Khranial simply wouldn't sound the same. His relentless drive propels the album forward with unyielding momentum.

Monsters of Gore is brutal, groovy, punishing, thrashy, and tight as hell. It's nearly 40 minutes of pure old-school death metal, and honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way. While it's not the most experimental or avant-garde release out there, it's unapologetically Khranial — a raw, intense, and ferociously straightforward death metal experience. If you're looking for sheer brutality with no compromises, look no further. This is death metal done right — pure, unfiltered, and vicious to the core. An absolute must-listen.

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