Grand Supreme Blood Court - Bow Down Before The Blood Court (2012)

Alongside 'Bad Decisions' by The Last Vegas, 'Bow Down...' is probably the album of 2012, and most certainly one of death metal's finest over the last fifteen years. This record is a much needed kick up the arse, an album that features various members of Asphyx, including Martin Van Drunen who once delivered the goods for death metal kings Pestilence. Upon first listen I'm struck by the old school feel of this opus, a grating, shredding sound that brings to mind the chainsaw riffing of old Entombed, and the vocal intensity of early Obituary. Imagine a lethal mix of both of thsoe bands and you'll be on your way to categorising this formidable record. 'Bow Down...' is a brutal record, but one that doesn't alienate the listener, jst like those classic late '80s and early '90s death metal albums from Obituary, Dismember and Entombed, this is accessible, maninly due to those gargantuan riffs, but it somehow sounds refreshing too. There are eleven face melters on offer, all of which go for the jugular, propelled by the ferocious guitars of Eric Daniels and Zurr. Again, I can only sugegst you experience this debut album, because these flying Dutchmen have produced a minor classic that has all the ingredients required to make a classy death metal album. In this day and age too many bands have a clean cut, over-produced sound that lacks identity, and although GSBC are happy to wear their influences on their sleeve, they still shred the flesh in their own unique way. Hard to pick a fave track, album opener 'All Rise' features some killer guitars that seem to have been wrenched from Entombed's 'Left Hand Path,' whilst the short, sharp shock of 'Behead The Defence' reminds me of Possessed especially in that vocal sneer. This is a rampant record that sounds loose and vicious, but it's an album that has proved just how stagnant the genre has been since those halycon days when the powers of Europe, particularly Sweden, and the US collided. Now it's time to bow down to a new bunch of anti-heroes, and let's hope this is more than just a side project. 8.5/10