### Gravehill: Death curse

#### 17/04/14 || gk

Formed in 2001, Gravehill released 1 EP and then promptly disbanded. Then in 2007, drummer Rhett Davis (Morgion), the only original member left, put the band back together and “Death curse” is the third and latest full length from this American death metal band.

The album opens with “Gates of hell” which is a typical death metal intro, all swirling atmosphere and pretty much a waste of time but after that, “Death curse” is pretty much 35 minutes of pure old school worshiping and very enjoyable death metal. Title track “Death curse” has a maniacal energy to it and comes roaring out the speakers with some solid death thrash riffing and a slight d-beat edge to the drumming. The song pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the album. “At hell’s command” keeps the momentum going with its vicious main riff and a very cool lead guitar section. “Open their throats” slows things down with a riff that reminds of Asphyx and an atmosphere that is dirty Autopsy invoking death metal. “Fear the reaper” is easily the most accessible song here with a punk vibe and a catchy chorus and it works really well with a killer main riff. The first half of the album is pretty good when it comes to quality but hereon, the band just up their game with “Unending lust for evil”, “Black blood rising” and “Crucified” all sounding mean and dirty while still retaining individual identity and each song has at least one kickass riff. “Death curse” closes with “The ascending fire” which is probably the best song on the album and comes complete with an Eric Cutler solo and a blink and you’ll miss it guest spot from Chris Reifert.

Guitarists Hell Messiah and CC DeKill pull out some kickass riffs right through this album but they’re no slouches when it comes to soloing too and often it’s the solo spots that really lift these songs up. Vocalist and bass player Mike Abominator has a little bit of Chris Reifert in his voice which is only a good thing and Rhett Davis’ drumming is solid and powerful, driving these songs forward. Also, the use of backing vocals right through the album is well thought out and nicely executed.

Gravehill has delivered a memorable album here without doing anything that is new or unique. The music is old school death metal with the occasional nods to thrash, black metal and punk. The band manages to stand out of the whole new wave of old school death metal simply by writing some kickass songs. When the album’s done and you’re still humming the riffs, you know it’s a job well done. Gravehill’s “Death curse” is an album well worth checking out for some memorable, old school worshiping death metal.

- Information
- Released: 2014
- Label: Dark Descent
- Website: Gravehill Facebook
- Band
- Mike Abominator: vocals
- CC DeKill: guitars
- Hell Messiah: guitars
- J. T. Corpse: bass
- Thorgrimm: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Gates of Hell
- 02. Death Curse
- 03. At Hell’s Command
- 04. Open Their Throats
- 05. Fear the Reaper
- 06. Unending Lust for Evil
- 07. Black Blood Rising
- 08. Crucified
- 09. The Ascending Fire