UMUR
"Visual Antagonism" is the debut full-length studio album by Indonesian death metal act Warhammer. The album was released through Brutal Infection Records in April 2016. Warhammer was formed in Yogyakarta in 2011. They released a promo in 2015 before signing to Brutal Infection Records for the release of "Visual Antagonism". In the years 2009-2011 they were known under the Genital Cavity monicker.
The music on "Visual Antagonism" is late 80s/early 90s influenced death metal. The growling vocals are predominantly doubled with higher pitched screaming, and Glen Benton (Deicide) has probably been an inspiration on lead vocalist Adin. The band are generally well playing and the material relatively varied in terms of rhythmic diversity, so there are both fast-paced and heavier tracks/sections on the album. To my ears one of the greatest assets of the band´s sound are the many well played guitar solos, which occur pretty often throughout the tracks. They are for the most part of the pretty typical atonal screaming kind, but I like how they seem to come out of nowhere and break down the structures of the tracks. It provides the music with a raw chaotic edge, which is greatly enjoyable.
The album is relatively well produced, although both drums and guitars could have prospered from a bit more punch. Upon conclusion "Visual Antagonism" is a pretty solid death metal release of the old school variety, and while it certainly won´t win any prizes for sounding original, a 3.5 star (70%) rating is still deserved.