UMUR
"The Epitome of Disgrace" is an EP release by US, Florida based technical death/thrash metal act Hellwitch. The EP was independently released in July 2005. The original CD-R version of the EP was a promo release which was limited to 100 copies and used to shop for a new label deal. Hellwitch formed in 1984 and released multible demos before being signed for the release of their debut full-length studio album "Syzygial Miscreancy" from 1990. They disbanded in 1998 without having released any further studio albums. Hellwitch however reunited in 2004.
"The Epitome of Disgrace" features 4 tracks and a total playing time of 18:22 minutes. All 4 tracks would appear in re-recorded version on the band´s second full-length studio album "Omnipotent Convocation" from 2009. These versions are very similar to the versions on "Omnipotent Convocation" though, so I´ve been in doubt if they were actually the same, but there are some differences in production choices and a few other details, which set these versions apart form the album versions of the same tracks.
Hellwitch were always a very unique sounding act combining aggressive and technical thrash metal with death metal brutality, and some pretty distinct sounding screaming vocals. The vocals are probably an aquired taste, and some may find them a bit too much, but personally I find them greatly enjoyable. Intensely aggressive, screaming, and raw. It´s like Rob Halford (Judas Priest) went insane and started to perform death/thrash metal vocals. It´s very much over the top, but also precisely the reason why Hellwitch are considered to be such an unique entity. The instrumental part of the music is also quite unique, featuring technical death/thrash riffs, explosive technical drumming, and an intense energy level.
"The Epitome of Disgrace" features a well sounding production job, which is perfect for the material. It sounds raw, brutal, and aggressive, but still clear and detailed enough for accessibility. "The Epitome of Disgrace" is upon conclusion a high quality release from Hellwitch, and while it may be slightly redundant since you can find all tracks in re-recorded and relatively similar versions on "Omnipotent Convocation", It´s still a worthy release for the fans. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.