The masters of brutal Death Metal are back, a brand new full length, two decades after their last, is now out today. All the signs were out there, first they reissued their full lengths on vinyl a few months back, which got me thinking about a potential new release, and the day they put out their first single for the world to embrace, I began counting down days. One of the first brutal Death Metal bands I was completely crazy about was SEVERE TORTURE, the famed Dutch outfit’s full length “Feasting On Blood” was probably my introduction to the genre and I was completely awestruck with SEVERE TORTURE’s approach to Death Metal. This must have been some time in 2003 / 2004 and right after that I heard BRODEQUIN’s debut and then everything changed. For the longest time, I would proudly say ‘Spinning In Agony’ was my favourite track from the genre. As I kept up with their releases from that point, both the genre and the landscape of the sound changed significantly. What never changed was BRODEQUIN’s approach and their phenomenal songwriting. I don’t know what the band has been doing for the past 20 years, I honestly don’t care. I loved their last EP put out during covid times and as always I kept waiting for that next elusive full length. “Harbinger Of Woe” is arguably one of the finest pieces of music BRODEQUIN has ever put out. Starting off with ‘Diabolical Edict’ the band does not waste a single second in laying claim to the throne of the genre. The drumming is like a barrage of semi’s firing without respite, the guitars keep up with the extremity of the drumming by magnificently overlapping some of the best riffage we’ve heard in recent times. The best part of this record is how it’s been mixed, the vocals take a backstage, giving the first priority to the heaviness of the instruments. BRODEQUIN do not give you a moment to breathe, their sound is a suffocating wall of torment that engulfs you constantly. Yes, there are softer parts as part of their sound, truth be told, the softer parts in their songs pass off for traditional heavy Death Metal pieces. Track # 2 ‘Fall Of The Leaf’ is essentially anything but opposite of the image the title conjures. At just about two and a half minutes, the band rains down their take on the agony not compromising on the visuals and the sound. Track # 3, ‘Theresiana’ begins with a small ritualistic hymn, that breaks apart just as quickly as it touches your senses. BRODEQUIN has not aged a day, they still maintain the attitude they first displayed on “Instruments Of Torture” and in all honesty, it’s so refereshing to hear this album. Everything you love about the genre is right here, packaged within the confines of 32 minutes! The absolute assault on the senses is beyond impressive, they aren’t writing brand new riffs, they aren’t approaching the genre and the sound at a new angle, they just perfected the art of execution. The band just sounds tighter and more focused than before, which is exactly what’s needed. The raspy yet heavier than gravity vocals pierce through the denseness of the distortion to envelope their delivery with authenticity that every fan of this genre will truly appreciate. I can go on and on about the sound on this album, how each track represents an ancient monolith, symbolising time and evolution, but all you need to do is press play and sit back. Let BRODEQUIN take you on this journey. Highly recommended to all fans of the genre. New fans can pick this up as a first point of entry to the genre and I’m sure it will only lead to good things in the future. An easy contender for the end of the year lists! I’m going to be listening to this album for a long time, I’m just waiting for my vinyl to be delivered! More info: https://brodequin.bandcamp.com, www.facebook.com/brodequintn or www.facebook.com/seasonofmistofficial