Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: WHORE OF BETHLEHEM; signed via Comatose Records, hailing from the United States of America - performing Brutal Death/Black Metal, on their 3rd full-length studio album entitled: "Ritual Of Homicide" (released March 24th, 2023). Since formation in 2009; the quintet in question have an EP entitled: "The Crowning Moment" (released June 22nd, 2012) and 3 full-length studio albums in their discography so far entitled: "Upon Judas' Throne" (released May 15th, 2014), "Extinguish The Light" (released July 21st, 2017), on top of this here 3rd offering of which I am introduced to entitled: "Ritual Of Homicide". 10 tracks ranging around 37:45; WHORE OF BETHLEHEM arranges an intricately designed formula on some heavy-hitting Brutal Death/Black Metal amalgamations.

Opening up with this primitively raw remedy of savagely sinister malformation; "Enlightenment Through Pain" belts a clobbering foundation in bulldozing adrenaline and amplified rumbles of reverberating thuds, rollicking through with sturdy density and boisterously bouncy calamity. Bludgeoning eardrums chaotically; as ruthless pandemonium distils a visceral volatility on rampantly rompy mayhem that surges with vicious slabs of solid distortion and concretely gritty bestiality, brutally berserking rampage strikes with profusely robust substance of organic meatiness & punchline tightness that's weighty whilst kicking on monolithic tempo - where "Nails In Your Coffin" attributes at an intense execution in dexterously dynamic virtuosity on twinning synergy from guitar duo Ryan Sylvie & Phil King.

Towering perseverance swifts with rapid persistence on razor-sharp tonality & piledriving rambunctiousness; the titular track: "Ritual Of Homicide" showcases sonically seamless stability from hammering drummer Sam Axelrad, who stomps the set with steely precision. A gnarly fabrication flamboyantly contrasts with monstrous momentum; where sulphureous trepidation trembles speakers with pugnacious maelstrom technicality, where ripping shreds & pummeling pounds ramify with uniquely versatile vehemence. "Vermin" & "Gateway" compile symbolic retribution in horrific but baleful deathliness that thumps with scouring snares from audible bassist Alan Berryman, as diabolical crescendos masquerade with venomous impulses in impactful fundamentals in flexible flickers that's rather filthy bit grimy... of the splendid kind of course.

Everyone performs with menacing malevolence which unearths this repugnant manifestation of malicious vigour & rigorously ominous stridency, renegading with jarring jolts of malicious oppression that's rather hostile but desecrating in every sense. "Sermon Of The Malignant Spirit" materializes virulent maelstrom grinds in which slay with gruesome grumbles from cordial vocalist James VanDenBerg; where throaty raspiness roars with guttural growls and immensely intense instrumental fabrications, firing all cylinders amongst an all guns blazing distinctive in distinguished/abominable meltdowns that will thrash throughout your soul to groove like a bruising maniacal - metallic demon, hellbent for dominion and chaos - especially in "Out Of Body".

"Disembodied" continues lacerating eardrums; frolicking, chugging and galloping with maddening musicality which will make you want to thrash till death abhorrently to the revocating snares of scouring schizophrenia which wraths significantly into an enraged but  barbaric madman whose rabid intent will make you want to break chairs over other chairs in a hardened hysteria that unleashes this cavernous blitzkrieg that's most invigorating. The penultimate banger "Monolith Of Cremation" injects infectious swampiness of sludgy contortion and virulent viciousness that juxtaposes with more malignant sulphurate that's nasty, thick & strong in every alignment.

Overall concluding "Ritual Of Homicide" with the finale epic bonus track: "Pseudochrist"; I am compelled to say that this is Brutal Death/Black Metal in a nutshell, merging these subgenres makes off for a sweltering systematic that does it right - masterclass style - should you fancy a healthy dose and an enjoyably entertaining discovery that's rather splendid to bash along with. Worthy of spinning & replaying a good bunch of times, do check it out!