Formed in 2015 in Hamburg, Germany hardcore metal crossover DAGGER THREAT released their second full length album in the summer of 2022 "Weltschmerz" following the 2019 debut album "Gestaltzefall". This socially conscience quintet's songs hit hard on brutal issues ranging from frustration, anxiety, and moral decay. Each of the eleven tracks touch on a "drowning society". The German translation of "Weltschmerz" is "Feeling of melancholy and world weariness". The album blends nu-metal with death metal to give an intense gripping mix of catchy riffs, crushing breakdowns and harsh, aggressive, devilish vocals, which are inspired by their musical influences SLIPKNOT, GOJIRA and LEFT BEHIND.

We begin as I expected on "Jaded", hard core slamming riffs with pure and simple death metal growling vocals tangled in with a slower paced tempo as the drum beats hit loud and vicious, The boys pack a lot of anger in "Scum will Rise" only one minute and fifty-five seconds long, in which they hit with social commentary of the world's moral deterioration with biting lyrics "This time and age bears a sickened disease, nothing will stop them", they need to stop watching the news! "Wither" comes right back with smashmouth vocals and blasting riffs mixed with deafening drumbeats and some contrasting backing vocals that give a tranquil direction. Super-fast tempo on "Cynic" with vigorous and harsh growls and pedal to the medal drumming. Next up is "Faint", there will be no fainting on this song, intense harsh and pulsating guitar riffs continued with the growls and howls. An interesting Techno start to "Riven by Grief" that almost threw me for a loop, until they reeled me back with the signature pounding riffs and gruff growling, with again, some riveting, deep lyrics, "No chance for morality, morality is gone, the hope is ethic, is so pathetic". "Epilogue" is the longest song on the album at just under six minutes, that starts suspiciously hypnotic tubular bell sound, I actually checked to see if someone switched albums on me, but they were back to rattling my brain, but this time with the vocals and lyrics speaking in German. A nice symphonic feel with the nicest, mellowest guitar work that stayed heavy enough but gave a nice twist to the song.

Not being a big death metal/growling fan, I always listen intently to all aspects of the albums of this genre that I review. First thing I came away with is, these guys are some angry young men. They did hit on some very relevant and disturbing topics in this battleground world we all share, their well-constructed, thought-provoking, and unsettling lyrics did impress me. There sound is definitely decibel shredding and there is no letup of the intensity at all. Overall, I know any death metal fan would appreciate this album and the plethora of thrashing riffs and manic growls.