Decapitated – “Blood Mantra” [Album Review]

Decapitated is a death metal band to their core. Although they have only been heavily active since the year 2000, quite late to the game, they still boast a number of classic albums under their belt. Blood Mantra, their newest offering, is the second album featuring the latest incarnation of the group.

After the tragic and untimely passing of drummer Vitek and, in 2007, the post-automobile accident comatose fate of their previous vocalist, Covan, many assumed Decapitated would permanently disband. In 2009, guitarist Vogg realized that he had to continue the band if only for the memory of his fallen brothers, and thus the legacy of Decapitated prevailed. Out of the ashes of tragedy came the immense album Carnival Is Forever, featuring a new lineup and renewed sound that instantly became a death metal classic. And now, with Blood Mantra, it seems that Decapitated has done it again.

Blood Mantra is a frenzy of headbanging tracks from start to finish. In addition to being enraging in the best way possible, every song is written exceptionally well. It is clear that the group took the time to meticulously compose each piece of music and it shows a level of growth for which, from album to album, bands should strive. The riffs are mighty, and the drums are perfectly layered over each track, making for a gut-wrenchingly heavy yet refined compilation.

The song “Blindness” boasts intense riffage and a solo that is both precisely timed and executed. Vocalist Rasta’s growls float over the creeping guitars and add an even eerier air to the track. The title track, “Blood Mantra,” is a headbanger’s anthem, featuring yet another perfectly implemented solo courtesy of the legend himself, Vogg.

My personal favorite on the album is “The Blasphemous Psalm To The Dummy God Creation.” If the sheer brilliance of the title is not enough indication, this track will leave you breathless and thirsty for more maddeningly massive death metal. To say the least, Blood Mantra is a deliciously brutal album from beginning to end.

Track Listing:

01. Exiled in Flesh
02. The Blasphemous Psalm to the Dummy God Creation
03. Veins
04. Blood Mantra
05. Nest
06. Instinct
07. Blindness
08. Red Sun

Run Time: 46:09
Release Date: September 29, 2014

Check out the song “The Blasphemous Psalm To The Dummy God Creation”