BETRAYME is a Mexican Blackened Death Metal band from Guadalajara. "Nihil Obstat" is the group's first EP, released by Lethal Scissor Records on October 1, 2021.

Well, the production is not great. It's not unlistenable, but it definitely could use some work. In particular, the bass frequencies sound pretty muddy, and the lead guitar tone lacks so much definition that when I first I heard it, it took me a few seconds to realize that what I was listening to was a guitar solo.

Now, onto my favorite part, the riffs! Though you can hear the elements of Black Metal, especially in the band's use of open string harmonies, tremolo picking, and ambient guitar layers, I would say for the most part, the riffing style is clearly Death Metal. I have to heap praise on Adib Flores for his ability to write crushing riffs that borrow from such a wide range of styles, including some elements of NWOBHM (without sounding clichéd, which is crucial) and even Djent at times. The other key factor in this band, though, is Santiago S. Zamorategui - my god, that man is a machine! I think it's safe to say at this point that Death Metal drummers in general are the best drummers in the world, and Zamorategui is no exception.

Some highlights from this EP include "Exile," which manages to sound brutal, groovy and melodic all at the same time; "Northwest," which starts off with a long, haunting, instrumental intro that reminded me of something off of RIVERS OF NIHIL's "Where Owls Know My Name" before breaking down into blackened insanity; and "Aeon Mistake," which essentially sounded like the soundtrack to my nightmares while also blending in the spirit of NWOBHM with a more modernized approach.

Overall, this is a very good EP. The songwriting is very strong, the riffs are incredible, and the band is really tight. Again, my only gripe is that the production is fairly lackluster, but I'm sure that if the band works on their production techniques even just a smidge, their next release will sound absolutely killer.