Genocide, Apocalyptic Visions

I haven’t had the opportunity to hear any of Genocide’s previous material, but with the release of their official debut, this German three piece unleashes enough anti-Christian, violent black metal to satiate the dark lord himself. Apocalyptic Visions writhes and thrashes loose from the depths of hell with old school black metal with an aggressive edge.

Tearing through 11 tracks with reckless abandon, Genocide hits quickly and often with a brand of black metal that is a throw back to the genre’s roots while adding their own influences into the mix. Performed with a punk disregard for the general populace, the band’s sound is raw, unrelenting and memorable. On a few occasions Genocide throws in some subtle melodic elements adding in some much needed groove to help temper the aural onslaught.

Command for Genocide
The opening track starts off with a bit of sound effects and movie clips that are swallowed by driving drums and a memorable riff. The vocals are mid range and fit the slightly brighter sound that the disc has, but don’t let the lighter feeling fool you, these guys are anything but bright and cheery.

Blasphemy
Some string orchestration moves us into “Blasphemy.” After a violent scream from one of the vocalists the band shifts into high gear with pummeling drums and blackened riffing. The dual vocal attack on this one makes for a nicely layered feel.

Ad Arma
I love the start to this one with its thick bass work and calculated drumming. The riffing seems to stay in the background as the vocals kick in — they slowly move to the forefront of the song as the track progresses. Genocide slows it down a bit just after the 1:40 mark with some groove filled riffing and drum work.

Crucify (The Scum)
And by “scum” they mean everyone. This next track has a catchy riff and maniacal drumming. The vocals have a bit of a more raw feel to them as wel, making this one evil track.

Interitus Christianorum
More catchy riffing keeps the flow moving along on a track that’s a little slower paced than some of the previous material o the album. It does have its moments of explosive drumming that create some nice tempo shifts.

Welt in Flammen
I have no idea what’s being shouted on this song, but it’s easily the most aggressive track on the album. It’s in your face vocals delivery is combined with violent drumming and driving riffs. My only complaint would be that it’s also the shortest song on the disc.

Possessed by Sinister Spirits
Warbling sound clips start “Possessed by Sinister Spirits” as a riff right out of Satan’s own bag of tricks is unleashed. Several tempo shifts punctuate the track as the riff dominates.

Warbrigade
Steady drumming and riffing keep us moving along with this next song. This is a plodding bit of black metal with quick drumming and quicker riffing, but still has an excellent groove throughout.

Mankind’s Catharsis
“Mankind’s Catharsis” explodes out of the speakers with quick riffing and screams right from the start. With lyrics pertaining to a war in heaven you can pretty much guess who these guys are pulling for.

Spill the Blood of Christ
An evil choir of Satan’s minions open up the track with heavy handed blows to the drums as a memorable riff comes into play. Genocide pick up the pace a bit with some nice head banging groove. This is a dark sounding song for even darker commentary.

Eternal Holycaust
The final track employs a similar sound clip as the opening track to set the mood. This one is overall a slower paced beast of a song that explodes periodically with machine gun drumming and quick guitar work.

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Need some driving music on your way to your next church burning? Genocide’s Apocalyptic Visions is the perfect backdrop for your unholy endeavors — anti-religious themes delivered through raw black metal mayhem.

Favorite Tracks:
Command for Genocide
Crucify (The Scum)
Welt in Flammen
Possessed by Sinister Spirits

Additional Notes:
n/a