SERPENT SPAWN is very much a newly established band who have come together to deliver 'blasting merciless death metal, with the sole purpose to crush and annihilate'. The band themselves are led by ex-BLOOD member MARTIN WITCHSKINNER on vocals/guitars/bass, guitarist ROB WENGLORZ also ex-BLOOD member and ex-DAWN member. Last member is MARKUS WINTERSTEIN on drums who comes from being a member of MALAPHAR. As they are new on the death metal scene and they were described once as being 'heavily influenced by the 90's era, with heavy dollops of DECIDE, SINISTER and MALEVOLENT CREATION and the likes of thrown in for good measure', so it is great that I get to hear what is their EP CRYPT OF TORMENT, the band's debut release in the year of 2022.

Their EP was actually once defined as 'a blast furnace, a rapid assault on the senses bolstered by clinical drumming, horrifying vocal bellows and a bass and axe team that splices you in half at whatever speed or weight it chooses'. The EP itself begins as we hear swords collide or clash before monstrous vocals dig deep in tone as guitar plus drums act as a driving steer of death metal excellence. Pumped up with guitar screeches in "Crypt Of Torment" as drums put the foot down on the accelerator at first playing varied punching patterns. Guitar hisses at times on high notes, bass simply sets the tone overall as there other metal elements at work in this three minute intro.

The next track in line now is "Conquering The Trinity" as nasty, devilish possessed vocals are bringing us through the seven circles of hell so to speak. Guitar and drums supported by bass have the commanding lead in throwing steaming hot shots of unstoppable death metal mania. Even a breakdown section to throw into a short disarray like hysteria. "Carnage Divine" as bone crushing drum patterns suit well with the partnership of faster guitar riffs as vocals come back in to overshadow all other instruments. Cymbal hits coming and going create suspension and tension as the track is soaked in hot, fiery guitar hooks as drums solo in one short phrase.

Vocals are full of filth and determination as they do guide the narrative onwards, which is the fourth but last track on this EP. "Skinned And Gutted" as guitar takes a different path of steps before the madness begins as drums pulverise and put the foot down. The tempo does vary along the way as the transitions between each section are very well arranged yet methodical. Vocals on the satanic approach full of anger and hatred as they represent the group as well as we can be expected. This track brings the EP to a certain conclusion as I am very moved as to how deep this death metal trio go to show their talent and capability. This EP brings out the best of each instrument and serves its purpose of obtaining the gnashing of teeth aside from the underbelly of death metal.