CELESTIAL SANCTUARY hailing from Cambridge, UK were formed in 2019. The traditional Death Metal outfit released two full-length albums so far. “Visions Of Stagnant Blood” is their first EP with a length of about 19 minutes. The EP was produced and mixed by Thomas Cronin, and mastered by J.B. van der Wal (ENTRAPMENT; INQUISITOR; ORTEGA). It is an independent release with the digital and vinyl versions have been released already in 2024. No official video has been released yet. The EP starts with the title track, and it starts frantic with blast-beat thunderstorms, and with direct and aggressive guitar riffing. It is a track that changes frequently tempo and rhythm with fast verse parts, chorus parts at a measured tempo, and a short break towards the end at mid-tempo. The vocals are growls, which vary around the medium end of the guttural range. “Visions Of Stagnant Blood” is a good opening track, although with just three minutes playing time a bit short compared to the other songs on the EP. “Puddles Of You Reflect The Filth Within” is very different compared to the opening track. After a short introductory part at crazy pace, the track develops verse parts with thunderous guitar riffs and crushing basslines at a measured tempo and a sluggish rhythm. The melodic framework of the track is grim, and it has plenty of oriental vibes. The latter is especially evident during the extended break leading to the very contributing lead guitar solo. The lead guitars are a pivotal element of the track contrary to the title track.

“Gavage Of The Vile” is the central track of the EP, first and foremost due to the length of 10 minutes. It all starts with a doom-laden extended instrumental part driven by the guitars and crunching basslines. The track finally transitions into the head-banging verse parts at a measured tempo with punishing guitar riffs and growling vocals straight from the abyss. Melodies and atmosphere of the track is blood-freezing also because of the doomy lead guitar parts added to the mix. As the track goes on, there is more chaos and pace introduced by using blast-beat attacks. However, the track goes always back to its chilling chorus parts at a measured tempo. The break starts after around six minutes with a quiet guitar part, and after a while, the lead guitar solo finally starts with melancholic melodies, and it lasts until the end of the track. Without a doubt, “Gavage Of The Vile” is the EP highlight, although not my favourite track as it is a bit too much doom and gloom for me. CELESTIAL SANCTUARY deliver very different songs on their EP. “Visions Of Stagnant Blood” offers tracks ranging from a relentless aggressive pummeling towards a grim and doom-laden melodic approach with some melancholic traces. It is not only the melodies and the tempo that makes the differences but also the guitar riffing, the basslines, the aggression level, and finally the track lengths. The EP is well produced. Fans of traditional Death Metal will love what they hear and hope for a new full-length release of CELESTIAL SANCTUARY in foreseeable future.