GRAB “The Inevitable Filth of Mankind”

Fucking Your Creation Records, 2021

Music: Black Metal

Website: https://www.facebook.com/GRABRAWBLACKMETAL/

Duration: 40:02 (6 tracks)

Country: Greece

Led by DØDSFERD’s Wrath, Grecian black metal misanthropes, GRAB return with their first full-length album in thirteen years, “The Inevitable Filth of Mankind.” After a hiatus, the group was reactivated in 2017 and released the “Praying at the Whorehouse Church” EP a year later. Co-founding member, War is gone and the group now contains a line-up of Greek black metal scene veterans including Wrath (vocals-DØDSFERD, LEECHES, etc.), Bacchus (guitar-DØDSFERD, LOTUS CIRCLE), Goatlord (bass-IMPERIUM INFERNALIS) and N.D. (drums-ISOLERT, LEECHES, SØRGELIG).

Wrath is a busy musician who has been a part of numerous bands, giving him an outlet to channel sounds and ideas separate from his main band, DØDSFERD. This is the case with GRAB. While there are certainly similarities between the two bands, the most obvious being they both play black metal in the raw fashion, GRAB seems more aligned to the Greek sound than DØDSFERD. One won’t notice a DSBM influence and punk is absent or less obvious. The sound of old school heavy metal, thrash and Greece’s own characteristics pervade “The Inevitable Filth of Mankind.” However, Wrath retains some of his lyrical stances including misanthropic and anti-religious ideas.

Opening track “Standing Breathless from a Structured Space” kicks the album off with a thrashy rhythm and maniacal laughter. That rhythm soon transitions into a palm-muted riff characteristic of Greek black metal. The way Bacchus manipulates his strings is very catchy and occurs throughout the song. The bass is quite noticeable, adding another layer to their overall sound. Wrath’s voice is aggressive and rugged, but not mired in effects or pushed back in the mix, so it’s easy to understand his lyrics.

The title track is mid-paced with some interesting cymbal play by N.D. “Evil Unbound” has a catchy section near the end where the drums pound to an evil, DARKTHRONE-like groove. Near the end of the track Wrath repeatedly cries out “Father,” making this one of the more memorable songs on the album. “Our Star of Chaos Shines Supreme” is a mix of disharmonic melody and more DARKTHRONE-ish diabolical groove. Goatlord’s bass is quite prominent on this song, tying in the gaps between each chord during the melodic moments. “A Hollow Figure From the Past” and “Altar of Revenge” contain brilliant layers of guitar and bass harmony spearheaded by very catchy galloping riffs.

It’s been a long time since GRAB offered a full platter of darkness and “The Inevitable Filth of Mankind” is a triumphant return to form. Wrath has an admirable worth ethic that produces constant quality. Everything he touches turns to gold. “The Inevitable Filth of Mankind” is a glorious mix of mild melody and aggressive annihilation, a giant middle finger to the dogmatic slime oozing from the pages of The Good Book.

Tracklist:

1. Standing Breathless from a Structured Space

2. The Inevitable Filth of Mankind

3. A Hollow Figure From the Past

4. Altar of Revenge

5. Evil Unbound

6. Our Star of Chaos Shines Supreme

Line-up:

Wrath – vocals, lyrics

Bacchus – guitar, music

Goatlord – bass

N.D. – drums