DENIAL OF DEATH is a black metal band based in Germany. They formed in 2021 as a one man project from mastermind Haereticus but soon became a full fledged band.  "A Failed Exorcism," is their full length debut after releasing an EP in 2021.  "A Failed Exorcism," is an album that has been scratching an itch I've had since the last time OLD MAN'S CHILD released an album, which was way back in 2009.  DENIAL OF DEATH isn't a clone but their sound reminds me so much of what makes OMC so special:  an unholy combination of blackened furry, death metal groove, and just the right amount of keys.

Across the album's 9 track, 41 minute run time, my ears were treated to solid song writing centered around surprisingly catchy instrumentation.  The bass straight up slaps, something that doesn't usually catch my eye with most black metal.  The songs are riff based for sure but every member gets an equal share in this black metal ass kickery. The vocals are inhuman and wild but annunciate the lyrics perfectly, adding a level of sophistication to the extreme proceedings. The production and mix is great too-not overly polished but nothing is buried to make me feel like I'm being drained of energy to try and hear it all.

The album opens with "Evil By Nature," which lays down the album's overall sound very well.  After a key laden intro, the groove riffs settle in as the rest of the band backs up the hellish vocals.  Flurries of keys create an epic backdrop without being overly ambitious or distracting. The ending of the song is choppy like ocean waters under a storm, guitar riffs and bass just bouncing through the rhythm while the double bass rides the current. The title track is very exciting, from the first note to the last.  After a flurry of keys, the band grinds it out, hurtling ever forward to about the halfway point where a brief respite is provided by the keys before the band begins to grind the bloody ax some more.  If you can jam this song without headbanging, then you probably don't like metal.

"Misology," features some of the best riff work on the album-pulverizing on its own but works so well in context with the song itself.  The riffs are also a little hypnotic here, the music entrancing even as it scares the soul from the body. In the later half, the temp slows for a bit of doom play and the song is even better for it. "God Is Dead," explores the doom elements further, a lot of the guitar/bass is slowed down thick as a tree trunk. These segments are connected to much faster pieces but the whole experience is smooth and connected instead of jarring and disjointed. "Black Mass," begins as cold as a funeral-the keys heighten the atmosphere in a big way here especially when the clean chants join in. This song is much more methodical than the others and the place allows the details to sink in. A great end to a great album

All in all, "A Failed Exorcism" is a strong debut from a band with a clear vision and an excellent path to the future before them.