When it comes to death metal, fans usually tend to fall into two different camps.  There are those who love cold, calculated, technical brutality; and then there are those who prefer their death metal raw, human, and "old-school."  I personally love both ends of the spectrum and everything in between.  However with it's newest release, Deathhammer, Dutch old-schoolers Asphyx make it impossible to doubt the appeal of raw, in-your-face simplicity.  Deathhammer is Asphyx's second album since its reformation in 2007.  After a long hiatus, Death...the Brutal Way surfaced in 2009 and proved to any naysayers that Asphyx still had what it takes.  Now, Asphyx has managed to one-up that album with Deathhammer. 

When I listen to Deathhammer I can't help but envision a world where the sun is choked out by foul black smoke.  Battlefields stretch as far as the eye can see.  Mammoth tanks rumble by with the sound of barbed-wire and human remains alike crunching and popping beneath their treads.  Heavy artillery rains down from the heavens.  There is no safe place to stand.  Death and destruction are in every direction.  Nothing can survive here.  Well, you get the picture.  Asphyx accomplishes this oppressive atmosphere with some pretty simple but tried and true tools:  catchy riffs, amazing tone, and tons of attitude.  Deathhammer is certainly loaded with these.  Asphyx basically alternate between two different song styles throughout Deathhammer.  There are fast, to-the-point, head-bang-inducing tunes like "Into the Timewastes," "Deathhammer," and "Vespa Crabro."  Then there are the slower, doomy, atmospheric tunes like "Minefield," "Der Landser," and "We Doom You to Death."  The changing pace of the album helps keep things interesting throughout its duration.  While it seems that there are no new riffs under the sun, Asphyx somehow manages to write simple songs that are both fresh and unforgettable.  As one might expect, Martin van Drunen's vocals are full of emotion and attitude.  His voice is definitely a focal point for Asphyx.  The guitar tone is magnificent and is especially jaw-dropping in the slower songs.  The atmospheric, slow eerie riffs in "Minefield" and "Der Landser" will make listeners' skin crawl.  The slow ringing chords in "We Doom You to Death" and the sustained lead in "Der Landser" further utilize the awesome tone.  Asphyx even enters into old Celtic Frost territory with some low, suffocating chugging in "Minefield" and "We Doom You to Death."  The super-thick bass guitar helps flesh out the sound even more through the whole of Deathhammer.  There's even some fuzzy, fat bass rumble that really stands out in "Into the Timewastes."  The drums also have an extremely deep tone and add an extra layer to the already impossibly thick bottom end.  The simple yet tasteful drumming contributes loads of driving power to the faster songs and a rumbling sense of doom to the slower tunes. 

While I love my technical death metal, Asphyx brings an attitude and energy to the table that no technical band could match.  Deathhammer beats the pants off of pretty much any modern death metal band doing the old-school throwback thing these days.  Heck, Deathhammer matches and probably even surpasses both Death...the Brutal Way and anything by Hail of Bullets.  Deathhammer is essential.  "Bow down to the Deathhammer!  On your knees!"

TRACK LISTING

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

1.  Into the Timewastes
2.  Deathhammer
3.  Minefield
4.  Of Days When Blades
     Turned Blunt
5.  Der Landser
6.  Reign of the Brute
7.  The Flood
8.  We Doom You to Death
9.  Vespa Crabro
10.  As the Magma
       Mammoth Rises

Total playing time:  47:33

Release Date: February 28, 2012
Label: Century Media Records

Asphyx - Deathhammer

Reviewer: Roswell47

February 18, 2012