Hate can be a very extreme emotion. The level of deep dislike can be powerful and all consuming. Sometimes hate grows over a long period, other times it is taught from birth. Hate can be turned inward or outward. Everyone hates something, some more than others. Hate can also be a statement, like the one Sydney, Australia’s Thy Art Is Murder made with their 2012 album “Hate.” This album was a definite step forward from any of their previous efforts, solidifying their name in an already thick soup of promising deathcore bands. After being on the road with with Suicide Silence, Born Of Osiris, and Emmure, Thy Art Is Murder is back with their latest offering, “Holy War.” It will be released June 29, 2015 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.
Thy Art Is Murder come at you like a deathcore version of Behemoth – dark, evil, and punishing. The powerful roar of vocalist CJ McMahon and the lightning fast blast beats of drummer Lee Stanton help with the comparison. Guitarists Andy Marsh and Sean Delander’s riffs seem a little regurgitated at times, but they are no less br00tal. The same could be said for the breakdowns, but I feel like the band did a very good job of using them to the songs advantage, as opposed to building the songs around them.
“Holy War” feels more like a continuation than a follow up to “Hate.” The level a disparity and darkness that permeates from this album is palpable. The songs lyrics feature topics such as racism, homophobia, child abuse, animal cruelty, and all the evils born from religious immunity. Speaking of lyrics, you may not always be able to understand what CJ is saying, but when you do it is pretty powerful. I catch myself listening for lines in the songs as I skip through the tracks over and over. This is not to say that the music is less memorable, but the lyrical content and delivery definitely add to the appeal of repeat listens.
“Holy War” is not a giant leap forward for Thy Art Is Murder, it is not really even a step. “Holy War” is more of a declaration, a statement on current affairs of the world today in the eyes of the band. Guitarist Andy Marsh describes it as “a reaction to things going on around the world that crawl under our skin, that make us feel sick to be alive.” This is exactly what “Holy War” feels like. Mission accomplished boys.
Tracklist:
1. Absolute Genocide 4:25
2. Light Bearer 3:55
3. Holy War 4:00
4. Coffin Dragger 2:55
5. Fur And Claw 4:16
6. Deliver Us To Evil 3:06
7. Emptiness 4:03
8. Violent Reckoning 2:55
9. Child Of Sorrow 3:33
10. Naked And Cold 5:30
Playing time: 38:38
Release date: 29th June, 2015
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Website: www.facebook.com/thyartismurder
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