Kev Rowland
Dutch metal outfit Pestilence are back with their ninth studio album, although there has been a significant line-up change since 2018’s ‘Hadeon’ with only founder guitarist and singer Patrick Mameli still there. Over the years there have been a few musicians through the ranks, but he has been the constant, and is now joined by Joost van der Graaf (bass), Rutger van Noordenburg (guitars), and Michiel van der Plicht (drums). Due to the pandemic, Pestilence were unable to fully capitalise on the last album, and it was this which caused the other members of the band to quit, but Mameli decided to go the other way and write something darker and heavier and bring together new musicians to fulfill his vision.
Pestilence were initially formed in 1986, although they took a break in 1994 before being resurrected in 2008, then stopping again in 2014 before kicking off again a few years later. It’s not possible to keep a good band down apparently. Over the years they have been through different musical styles, always very heavy, and with this release they are focusing on technical death metal with complex rhythms and patterns throughout. Michiel is an animal behind the kit, utilising double kick pedals and complex rolls when the time is right, while at others being more straightforward and even having micro breaks if that is what is needed to emphasise what is happening in front of him. Rutger is an accomplished lead guitarist who enjoys taking the solos when the opportunity arises but for the most part this is about two guitars and a bass being totally linked while Mameli gruffly provides the vocals.
There is a strong sense of dynamics throughout the album, with little effects being used here and there to allow the music to always stay heavy and not fall into the background. The result is a death metal album which may not be totally essential but is a damn good listen all the same.