Destroyers Of The Realm
Dethlehem
•
March 14, 2015

Boasting an impressive in-person presence in all manner of armors and costumes, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania metal warlocks DETHLEHEM sound the horns of a mighty return to the ears of loyal listeners everywhere with "Destroyers of the Realm," an eleven-track tale of epic quests and other warrior-type shenanigans. I have got to hand it to these guys. Their act reminds me a lot of (and just so happens to be influenced by) the legendary GWAR so even though their angle is kind of gimmicky, they still put a lot of effort into their music and their steadfastness pays off in a pretty quality release such as this. Still, I can tell these guys are apt to give their brand of serious lyrical topics a slapstick comedy edge (for example, their inappropriately-named elf guide Dildo Huggins). Onward then!
Now, I'm not sure exactly just what the hell DETHLEHEM's so-called "Melodic RPG Death Metal" is supposed to sound like, but they have got it down to a science. According to their Facebook page, they like maidens, shields, axes, swords, dungeons & dragons, magic: the gathering, battlefields, blood, meat, ale, and so forth. Their lyrical antics are presumed to be part of their self-imagined sub-genre, but I am by far more impressed with the melodies and music behind these epic tales.
They have concocted a splendid blend of timeless tales strewn across the backdrop of instrumentals. Somewhat reminiscent of that NWOBHM sound, their guitar distortions and riffs give off that classic heavy metal feel, all while mixing with more modern, almost metal-core riffs and solos, which is actually okay in this context. I was a little tickled by the use of synthesizer and flute parts that add a sonic depth during various parts of songs. There are no really blisteringly fast parts on any of the songs, so the more moderate tempo allows the listener to grasp the music quite readily. That is to say with the exception of the parts with a more Black Metal influence in the tenth track "Dark Tower."
The vocals, imparted by the illustrious "Brutalitus the Bloodbeard," are almost Randy Blythe-like in presentation. The growls are strained but do not exceed the stage the music has provided. On the eighth track "Mystic Island" there is a part near the beginning and the end that is definitely more comparable to a Metalcore style, but does not detract from the overall direction of the song.
Overall, this album is extremely listenable! The tale of their quest to defeat the enemies and destroyers of the realm, lead by "Nightmare" is really fun and the humorous aspect is appealing and a nice breath to take in a world of Metal music that is primarily dominated by angry and strictly serious themes. So bravo to the battlers in DETHLEHEM, for they have conquered their foes and brought greatness to the ears of their loyal subjects!
8 / 10
Excellent
"Destroyers Of The Realm" Track-listing:
1. Knightmare
2. Oathbound
3. Interlude I - Seeking the Soothsayer
4. Shadow Remnants of the Guardian Shield
5. Earthforger
6. Interlude III - Curse of Goblintown
7. Final Voyage of the Goblinnaught
8. Mystic Island
9. Interlude III - Approaching the Boss Battle
10. Dark Tower
11. Planetary Collapse
Dethlehem Lineup:
Brutalitus the Bloodbeard - Vocals
Grimshaw Longfellow - Bass
Overlord Brom - Drums
Bovice - Guitars
Hildor - Guitars
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