Death Metal is a style that, on our actual days, is far from what it was conceived to be back in '83 and '84. Yes, it's true, but evolution is the main force behind Metal as a whole style, so Death Metal has evolved a lot since then. And to be honest: we must thank to the Metal gods for it because DEATH showed this way when the band was still active. It was due to the musical ideas from Chuck Schuldiner, so evolution is a welcome feature.

So, having this aspect in mind, we can get the best from "Scriptures", this EP from SLAVE I, from New Hampshire (USA).

Their music is a form of mix of Blackened Death Metal elements in a whole musical conception that fits on Deathcore, played with a high level of instrumental technique, and some refinement behind their songs, But the first thing that calls our attention is that on the band, there are three guitarists, so it means that they can do everything on guitars with a great and different technical insight. And this is what is found on this EP: the perfect mix between brutality, instrumental technique and a heavy dose of bitter aggressiveness.

Their production was done in a way that the technical side of their musical work can be heard and understood. But it doesn't mean in any sense that "Scriptures" lacks of weight or aggressiveness. It's the opposite: all their four songs sounds bitter and heavy, with a little touch of experimentalism here and there.

A somber introduction is the beginning of "Left Hand of God", showing a nasty and bitter work on the guitars, because even under all this aggressiveness, there's a fine technical work from bass guitars and on the riffs as well. A fine technical work is heard on the tempos of "Scriptures", another vomit of aggressiveness, due a very good work from the drums and the vocals (very good grunts with some harsh screams), and the same elements can be heard on "Monarch" (this one with some broken tempos and pauses where clean guitars appears under the oppressive weight of the songs). And "End of Days" preserves the aspects of brutality, weight and modern insight of the song, with very good tempos and great work from drums.

It's just an EP, but it points clearly that this sextet has something to show to the entire world in a near future.<