SHRIEKING DEMONS is a death metal band from Italy, who formed in 2021. Their latest release, “The Festering Dwellers,” is their full-length debut; they also released an EP in 2021. The band’s influences (AUTOPSY, DEATH, POSSESSED) are obvious but the death metal on display here is played with such conviction that it doesn’t matter if this is a wheel that has turned many times before. What matters is the insane amount of badass riffs, howling vocals, and filthy elements that permeate “The Festering Dwellers.” Despite its morbid approach, the music is rich with depth and passion—these guys put a lot of effort into this album. It has paid off because it’s instantly memorable and gripping. But with members hailing from other fantastic bands such as ASSUMPTION and BOTTOMLESS, it shouldn’t really surprise me.

The sounds of what I assume is some ancient creature coming to consume from its dormancy opens the album on the song, “Devour My Wicked Soul.” The instrumentation is clean but sinister with a steady buildup. The band is adept at creating rising action and using all kinds of tones to build nervous energy, and trepidation before the kill. The vocals are violent screams and raw, throaty growls that sound charmingly old-school yet refreshing knowing these vocals still have a place in the modern extreme world. Near the end, the tempo is build up and the band tries their hand at a more doom oriented sound—it’s really convincing. “Sorrowful Dismal Bliss,” opens with interesting guitars that open the gate for truly pulverizing riffs—the album’s production and mix really make moments like this shine. The album’s sound is just raw enough without sounding distracting and it highlights the compelling songwriting. Around the 2:48 mark, the band uses tempo to its fullest as the song explodes with violent bloodletting and slick as hell riffs—slick with blood and entrails. The band’s mastery over when to what type of tempo and where to place it is astonishing.

The halfway mark (give or take) is represented by one of my favorite songs on the album: “Perennial Dirge.” I love the vocals that alternate between hoarse growls and high-pitched death screams. The riffs are fast but low and kind of sludgy—it works for the song, supplying a gritty and seething underbelly. The guitars and bass get super catchy after the two minute mark and I just couldn’t stop my body from rocking. And how about that guitar solo? Ridiculously good! And the riff that comes afterwards? My god! This is how you do death metal! “Compromised Brain,” lets their influences shrine across the board and there isn’t a thing wrong with that. The bass is deep, supplying a robust foundation while making it even more intense. The groove sets up the tone for the tone, handing it off to a faster speed around the two minute mark, which in turn sets up a firefly guitar solo. This is one well put together song!

The final song is the disgusting “Apostasy, Sodomy, and Sacrilege.” The galloping rhythms are one of the best moments on the entire album—saving the best for last? Or just that consistent of an album? Why not both! The slower tempo carves out a special type of brutality until around the three minute mark when the band barrels out into the end of the song, casting out wicked riffs over and over. “The Festering Dwellers,” is a stunning debut album. Every song across its 10 track, 40 minute runtime is chock full of memorable moments and offers many reasons to revisit each and every one of them again. 2025 just started and the bar has already been set high for death metal!