UMUR
"Hostile Blood" is an EP release by Polish death metal act Deivos. The EP was self-released in 2003. Deivos were formed in 1997 as a three-piece consisting of guitarists Tomasz Kolcon and Maciej Nawrocki and lead vocalist Marcin Gorniak. The three-piece released the "Praised by Generations" demo in 1999. On "Hostile Blood" the only remaining member from that lineup is guitarist Tomasz Kolcon. New in the lineup are drummer Krysztof Saran and bassist/lead vocalist Jaroslaw Pienkos.
Although "Praised by Generations (1999)" was recorded using programmed drums, it was actually a fairly decent death metal demo, showing what Deivos were capable off in their early incarnation. Nothing groudbreaking, but definitely a solid death metal demo release. Four years have passed but stylistically little has changed. The music on "Hostile Blood" is still brutal and technically well played death metal influenced by the early 90s death metal scene (the more brutal and technical artists from those days). The addition of a human drummer has provided the band´s sound with a little bit of an organic touch, which has elevated their music to a higher level. Other than that it´s business as usual in terms of death metal of this ilk. Deivos are a well playing act, but their music aren´t exactly unique sounding (at least at this point).
The sound production is raw, brutal, and unpolished, and while "Hostile Blood" is labelled an EP, it could just as well have been another demo release. The savage energy and brutality of the band are quite charming and upon conclusion it´s a solid release, but it´s not a release which stands out much. A 3 star (60%) rating is still warranted.