Italian heavy hitters NEMESIS INFERI are an upcoming band from the regions of LOMBARDIA and BERGAMO in their home country of Italy as they came together in the year of 1997, under a different name but releasing a demo in that same year. Two years later in 1999, they released their debut album titled SINS OF EDEN which was a great start for the band, the lineup was led by guitarists/vocalists BEPPE and MICHELE TODARO as well as guitarist ALESSIO plus bassist ROBERTO PITEROBON and drummer SAMUEL BASSO. In these years the band did present themselves as a symphonic metal band so certainly an interesting sound at first but then the band didn't release for some time, until 2007 which a single REBORN IN FIRE arrived and then SOMEWHERE IN DARKNESS in 2009.

In the same year was the release of their second album ANOTHER KIND OF EVIL as a new lineup led by vocalist/guitarist BEPPE who was still active in 2009 as part of the band however more changes to lineup were coming. Their third album NATURAL SELECTION came just six years after their previous release in 2015, now their overall sound has gone from symphonic metal to a brand new sound that perhaps the band are now well known for. However their fourth album did follow suit in 2018, titled A BAD MESS continuing on with their new sound more of hardcore groove metal with thicker and heavier guitar riffs plus deviant vocals.

So the question is of course can the band keep the momentum, as they have done so, their activity has certainly grown and progressed since their second album, the answer is yes indeed and they have their fifth studio album to prove it too. 2023 is a brand new year for the band and yes a new album has come titled THE MOWING DEVIL including eight brand new tracks fresh off the shelf as does the hit single ABYSMAL appear on it. So we begin with the intro track which is "A Giant Upon This World" as heavy guitar riffs create a build up as drums begin to warm up as well slowly the guitars release the stronger notes. Drums are going wild and then vocals do step into the spotlight, as they are furious by nature and bring all other instruments together for so much terror and blistering groove metal perhaps with metalcore elements as well.

A quieter vocal phase is in and is surrounded by the other instruments isolated and then burst into life with those screamer notes, a short interval before an instrumental leap of faith as vocals then lead the listener into the next track. "Anthem" as drums kick it off with guitars still blazing with glorious purpose, as we hear bass guitar shortly before vocals come to the fore, more settled down at first but then they do transpose back into the animalistic approach we heard in the previous track. The harsher and mesmerising vocals do withhold the ramping pressure from the other instruments, guitars are given time to show their wicked ways as we head into the next track.

"The River" has a slow and mellow start as bass guitar is first in, then drums fill in before electric guitars join in as we hear contrasting sections, as vocals are the final addition to the mix. Vocals also become more mellow and rather more interesting but then they refer back to the hardcore sound for a short time, then it is back to the quieter approach from before. Drums and vocals certainly hit their target and guitars do well to support them in these phases of play. The more intense vocals do come in later on in the track, incredible commitment and then guitar plays a sort of bridge section with drums providing the back up guitars needed. Electric guitar goes wild and plays some lovely solo notes and then we head into the next track which is "Abysmal".

The door to the next track is kicked down by drums with the foot of authority as all round band unison is in full control with guitars also pulsating a lot faster, vocals do bow out briefly for an instrumental section to take over. Then the stereo image is cooled down just a small bit but vocals remain strong and have the upper hand, as drums meet their match trying to equal their strength. "Eternal Static" is up next with a guitar intro played with clarity and focus, as drums play a linear and complex rhythm before going into cymbal based pattern, as vocals are in the driving seat once more leading the dynamic approach. Vocals unleash the beast within as time progresses, before a more calming section comes in, until guitars bring the noise back to the full band unison.

Bass guitar and drums especially play a breakdown section with vocals going berserk but certainly powerful as metalcore should sound as this is the way forward into the next track which is "Demonspell" as guitars lead the way with a savage drum fill building up to a climax. Vocals do bring a more toned down way of creating some variation as drums play a rather more percussive but bouncy rhythm, a very creative way of playing for sure. Then another instrumental passage with drums on a merry-go-round pattern with drum hits and cymbals as well as vocals rallies the troops for another drop kick of a metalcore phase of play. Guitars and vocals go hand in hand almost hitting the same accents and creating a partnership that is well thought of and very well executed.

Then a belter of a scream from vocals and the heavy hitting drums plus guitars are setting us up nicely for the next track which is "I, Monolith" with drums building a crescendo as guitar also takes part in this intro section. Then an implosion of the full band going head to head in terms of the instrumentation, as vocals come into the playing field and show their instincts as they have done so far in this album, bombarding the listener with all they have in their armoury. Guitar does also create a short silence with a ringing note, then another slow crescendo as drums play a halftime pattern with guitars answering each drum pattern they play.

"Numbing Existence" is in with a mellow guitar sound and drums gradually on the rise, then the vocals come in with all guns blazing as we hear a lot of articulation from drums and vocals, as they work so well together. Vocals become wild and hungry for those screamer notes as they give this final track its full concentration, guitars get their next opportunity to electrify giving this final track everything it needs to close the album. An instrumental phase comes in one last time before vocals also does and then all comes to an end, truly such iconic music for sure. I can only give my full appraisal to these guys and I can also say that the new style suits them without a shadow of a doubt. I do hope there is more to come, because I thought this album was spectacular. Keep rocking on guys!https://nemesisinferi.bandcamp.com/