UMUR
"Magnificent Death" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US, Florida based thrash metal/crust act Hot Graves. The album was released through Primitive Violence Records in March 2015. Hot Graves was formed in 2008 and released the "Knights in White Phosphorus" debut album in 2011. The lineup who recorded the debut is intact and features Myk Colby on vocals/guitars, Matt Rosario on drums, and Tim Hutchens on bass.
Stylistically the music on "Magnificent Death" continues the hybrid death, thrash, hardcore/punk/crust style of "Knights in White Phosphorus (2011)". It´s a highly energetic and aggressive music style with raspy blackened death/thrash vocals in front. Although the D-beat drumming and hardcore punk riffing is a dominant part of the band´s sound, and at times have a tendency to become slightly one-dimensional, it´s not all "Magnificent Death" is about as Hot Graves successfully incorporate death metal brutality (there are some crushingly heavy sections featured on the album), thrash metal rawness, and the occasional melodic speed/traditional heavy metal element too, which make "Magnificent Death" a relatively varied release within the boundaries of the overall sound.
The musicianship is on a high level on all posts. The vocals are delivered with the right amount of caustic aggression, the rhythm section is tight playing, and the guitars sharp sounding. "Magnificent Death" also features a raw and powerful sound production, which suits the music perfectly. So upon conclusion "Magnificent Death" is a great sophomore release by Hot Graves. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.