Russian Deathcore masters, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, are at it again with the release of their second full-length album, "Kostolom". The band released their first EP in 2015, "Chapters of Misery"; followed by their first full-length album in 2017, "Misery Sermon". "Kostolom", I must say, has been love at first listen. I have been jamming to this album for weeks now, even having to remind myself to stop and listen to the other albums I needed to listen to, to write for. Deathcore is a genre of metal born in the 90's, a genre that combines Death Metal and Metalcore. This is a genre that is loved by many, and disliked by some. But, I digress, isn't that a description you can use for all genres of music? I find "Kostolom" to have a good flow and be easy to listen to from beginning to end. With Death vocals from Alex Terrible, with inclusions of clean vocals laced into the chorus and other various places. SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL  is easily a popular band, and with an album that is awesome to the ears, this was a fun review to get to write.

"Bonebreaker" - Industrial, kind of. This song is full of angry intensity, as the title alludes to; the chorus follows lyrically. Blast beats assault your ears, while the storm rages on. Alex Terrible's incredible vocal range is present and adds flavor to the song. The tune is catchy enough that I find myself singing it when I am not listening, as well. All in all, this is a heavy, brutal song; a solid way to dive right in. "Baba Yaga" - Aptly named, but let us explore the history of Baba Yaga first. The legend of the old witch crone that lives in the woods and eats children. It is said that she can be one of two things to you; she can lure you into her house and eat you. Or she can offer you wisdom and assistance. This song lyrically explores that legend a bit. This track marked 13.7 million views and it is easy to see why. "Zavail Ebalo" -  Pounds us with a catchy chorus and slight melodic undertones, as well as double bass to boot. Kick ass song!

"Agony" - Alex Terrible carries the presence well in all of these songs, but his brutality and vocal range is absolutely star of this show. This song in particular showcases his talent. A front man is a front man for a reason, they are often in the forefront of the show and the face of the band. Alex does a good job of presenting an intimidating stage presence. Although with the band's iconic masks, the rest of SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL's members certainly, also, play a huge role in the image of brutal intensity. "Your Only" - This is definitely my favorite track on this album. The chorus caught my ear right away. This is a nu-deathcore style. Various clean vocals mixed with heavier vocals throughout. This is one of those songs I could play in certain moments and relate to. "Please shut your fucking mouth / The best you can do, leave". Maaaan, I feel those lyrics!! "Bratva" - This song comes in with a melodic and slightly industrial combination. The vocals rage on and the song boosts a solid beat. Chugging guitar riffs and sweet drums equally match in talent to the vocals.

Kostolom has proven to be one of my new favorite albums. You know those times that you have to remind yourself not to overplay an album into oblivion? This is one of those albums. SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL has definitely presented us with a new classic album to a band that is fast tracked to be one of the pillars of the metal community. But...don't take my word for it, decide for yourself!!