ICON OF EVIL hailing from Wroclaw, Poland were formed in 2011. Before 2011, they were active as EVIL. The Death Metal band released one EP and one full-length album so far. Their sophomore album “Locust Cathedral” was recorded, mixed and mastered by Jarek Wysocki (ASS TO MOUTH; CREEPING CORRUPT; GRIMLORD). The album has a length of about 41 minutes, and it was released via Polish Hardcore, Grindcore, and Death Metal specialists Selfmadegod Records. The album starts with a cinematic, tension-building intro, transitioning into thunderous guitar riffing at a measured tempo with epic melodies. This part is only a pre-lude for the main part of the track, which develops into a frantic Death Metal track with devastating guitar riffs, relentless double-bass drumming, and growls coming from the abyss at fast tempo. The vocals are a mixture of deep-lying growls and highly pitched screams. “Locust Cathedral” has been released as lyric video, and the YouTube link is provided below.  The Death Metal onslaught continues with aggression and high intensity, where punishing riffs and the hammering drums drive the track forward. The melodies are spine-chilling with some traces of catchiness during the chorus parts. The vocals are again two-parted with either deep growls or screams, or both together. “Verge Of Collapse” is a great track and one of my album favorites.

“Cursed With Oblivion” starts with powerful guitar-driven intro leading into the hammering verse part at mid-tempo at a head-banging rhythm. The guitar riffing is devastating and accompanied by the relentless double-bass drumming. The vocals are, once again, a delivery of deep-lying growls and highly pitched screams, where the deep growls contribute very well to the blood-freezing atmosphere of the track. “Colossus” is a mixture of mid-tempo verse parts and chorus parts at a measured tempo with a sluggish rhythm. The guitar riffing is punishing, and the melodies are chilling. There are a few tempo twists throughout the track with a fast delivery of the break. “Colossus” is arguably one of the darkest album tracks. “Creeping Corruption” starts with an atmospheric intro, leading to the introduction of the main riff of the track. The verse part of the track is played at a slow tempo with a sluggish rhythm. However, it does not take long to change to a mixture of mid-tempo and measured tempo, where the double-bass attacks drive the song forward. The guitar riffs are thunderous throughout and the melodic framework is spine-chilling.

“Depths Of Scorn” is faster compared to the previous tracks and leans towards mid-tempo. The guitar riffing is direct and aggressive. Accompanied by the double-bass attacks and the mixture of deep growls and screams, the track fits perfectly into the hammering and dark album sound. “We’re The Plague” starts with an introductory riff followed by crunching basslines. The guitar riffing has a few oriental vibes, while the track is mainly played at mid-tempo. It is a very aggressive track with direct and simple guitar riffs. The overlay of deep growls and higher pitched screams provides extra darkness to the track. “We’re The Plague” is one of my favourite album tracks. It all finishes with “Chain Reaction” and with an extended instrumental part. The track follows the well-tried album sound with punishing riffs and relentless double-bass at a sluggish rhythm, however, there are leads added to the riffing, which provide a solid and chilling melodic backbone and that provides the track an additional layer and a bit of atmosphere. It is a subtle change to the album sound, it gives the album more versatility, and it is a very good way to end the album. 

The sophomore album of ICON OF EVIL is a good traditional Death Metal album. “Locust Cathedral” has aggression, chilling melodies, great guitar riffs, hammering drums, and brutal vocals. The key drivers of the album are the guitar riffing, the relentless double-bass drumming, and the growls with their versatility. The album is well produced. Death Metal fans will love what they hear, and ICON OF EVIL is surely a promising band to check out.