Artist: Demonized
Country: Mexico
Label: Osmose Productions
Formats: LP / CD
Year: 2023
The term “Blast From The Past” seems to be fitting to Demonized like no other. Exactly 20 years after their one and only full-length album the band suddenly returned with something new. Right after the release of that self-titled debut album in 2003, the band disbanded and I missed the news that they reformed in 2021 and seemingly were writing new material. The result is presented by Osmose Productions (although previously already released through the band’s own imprint), the same partner in crime as back in those early 00’s. Yes, a blast from the past…
Although we are all twenty years older since the release of ‘Demonized’, it still seems as if time stood still. Simply put, ‘Abyss Vanguard’ continues where the band left off two decades ago. Their vibrant blend of Black Metal and Death Metal seems to be still very much alive. Basically, however so authentic, the only difference is the updated sound quality, but that allows the music to sound even more violent. The addition of Gene Palubicki, previously known for his devastating work in Angelcorpse and Impiety and currently in Perdition Temple (amongst other), does not add a whole lot when comparing the final result to the old Demonized-formula, but I am sure Palubicki has provided some blazing riffs here and there.
The twenty-something minutes of this new EP provides well enough to be more than convinced that there will always be a place for Demonized. No, it will never be original and they will never amaze on the same level of some of Palubicki’s previous bands, but ‘Abyss Vanguard’ is definitely a welcome return. Those who are on the lookout for some savage and menacing brutality know where to run to.
