Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Album Review: APEP - "Before Whom Evil Trembles" - @thebeast

Label: War Anthem Records
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Formats: CD / LP / Digital
Distribution: Edel (Germany & Benelux), Season Of Mist (France), Non Stop (Switzerland), Code 7 (UK), Cudgel (Rest of the world)

War Anthem Records proudly presents "Before Whom Evil Trembles," the sophomore full-length album from German death metal band APEP. Following their successful debut, "The Invocation of the Deathless One," APEP returns with a ferocious and technically intricate offering that solidifies their standing in the death metal scene.



Tracklist:

    Enslaving the Putrefied Remnants of the Deceased
    The Pillars of Betrayal
    Tombs of Eternity
    Wanderers in the Waste
    Before Whom Evil Trembles (Goddess of Carnage)
    The Breath of Kheti
    Swallowed by Silent Sands

Total Playing Time: 37:55

Line-up:

    C. Fleckeisen - Vocals
    O. Pikowski - Guitars
    P. Kühn - Guitars
    M. Friedrich - Drums

APEP was formed in 2016 by drummer Merlin, vocalist Christopher, and guitarist Oliver after the split of their previous band Carnage. They quickly developed a more technical sound, releasing a self-titled demo in 2017. Their debut album, "The Invocation of the Deathless One," released in 2020, was met with critical acclaim and established their presence in the German death metal scene.

"Before Whom Evil Trembles" opens with the ominous "Enslaving the Putrefied Remnants of the Deceased," setting a dark tone with relentless riffs and guttural vocals. The band's technical prowess is evident from the start, with intricate guitar work and complex drum patterns. The album maintains this intensity throughout, with standout tracks like "The Pillars of Betrayal" and "Wanderers in the Waste" showcasing their ability to blend brutality with melody.

The title track, "Before Whom Evil Trembles (Goddess of Carnage)," is a masterclass in modern death metal, featuring Paolo Girardi's striking artwork and a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final note. The production, handled by Christoph Brandes of Iguana Studios, is crisp and powerful, allowing each instrument to shine.

APEP's lyrical themes delve into ancient mythology and esoteric horrors, perfectly complementing their sonic assault. "The Breath of Kheti" and "Swallowed by Silent Sands" explore Egyptian motifs, adding a unique dimension to the album's narrative.

Overall, "Before Whom Evil Trembles" is a triumphant follow-up to APEP's debut. It captures the essence of old-school death metal while pushing the boundaries with technical precision and thematic depth. Fans of the genre will find much to admire in APEP's latest offering, and it cements their status as a formidable force in the death metal underground.

Highlights:

    Intricate guitar work and complex drum patterns
    Haunting atmosphere and thematic depth
    Stellar production by Christoph Brandes
    Striking artwork by Paolo Girardi

APEP's "Before Whom Evil Trembles" is a must-listen for death metal enthusiasts, delivering a potent mix of technicality, brutality, and dark artistry. Mark your calendars for September 13, 2024, and prepare to be ensnared by the malevolent sounds of APEP.




https://www.war-anthem.de />

https://www.facebook.com/WarAnthemRecords />

https://www.instagram.com/war.anthem.records />

https://war-anthem-records.bandcamp.com />

https://www.cudgel.de />

https://www.facebook.com/ApepBand />

https://www.instagram.com/apep_band />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/26090/album-review-apep-before-whom-evil-trembles?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

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