Hell yes, if your idea of a good times involves getting sonically flattened by a wall of sound then Unmerciful’s Devouring Darkness  is the unrelenting force that you have been waiting for. On this their fourth album, the Kansas death metal quartet unleashes pure ferocity, no technical flashiness, no experimental detours, just unyielding, high impact aggression delivered without compromise. Clinton Appelhanz and Jeremy Turner may have evolved from the band Origin, which is known for its technical precision, but with Unmerciful the focus shifts from complexity to pure raw power. Drawing heavily from the brutal precision of Suffocation, the blistering intensity of Hate Eternal and the primal force of Cannibal Corpse, the sound is rooted in momentum, impact and sheer velocity, no frills or filler.

Most of the tracks on Devouring Darkness blur together into a seamless barrage, similar in tone and structure. Rather than feeling repetitive, the lack of variety fuels a sense of unstoppable forward motion.  From the first note to the last, it’s a straight shot through unrelenting riffs, thunderous drums and deathly growls, with no room to catch your breath. The vocals are a nonstop onslaught of guttural growling, delivered with such force and consistency that it feels like a second percussive layer, a ceaseless subterranean roar that fits the music’s inexorable density perfectly. “Miracle in Fire” opens the album like a punch to the gut. No buildup, just raw aggression from the outset. The riffs slam hard, non stop  hyper speed blast beats on the drums and the vocals growl with savage intensity.. it’s fast and brutal.

“Unnatural Ferocity” keeps the momentum, another brutal assault played at breakneck speed.  There is a shift when the title track  “Devouring Darkness” enters the fray. The band detours into more blackened territory. Dissonant guitar textures creep in, subtle melodies arise from the chaos and the atmosphere turns colder, hinting at a different kind of darkness, one that is more sinister than outright violent.  This however is short lived and the rest of the album returns to its ruthless violent core.

If you are ready for an album that prioritizes sheer force and speed over finesse, buckle up because Devouring Darkness will leave you flattened, dazed and strangely exhilarated.