CORTEGE from Poland was founded in 1996 and, except for the break in the years 2005 – 2009, have been active to this day. With that line-up they recorded their demo “Awareness”, which was released on a cassette in 2000. After that, the Poles took a long time to release their debut full-length “Anachoreo” in 2012 and the sophomore “Touching The Void” (2016). Conveying a sound of literally killing and devastating Death Metal, influenced by, among other things, the American school. In all of their past releases, one can attain a broth of MORBID ANGEL and VADER. That sound of being brutal and a little bit catchy. Following up their tradition of growing things slowly, the ruthless Poles now returned with their third full-length “Vandari” and musically it is firmly embedded and progressed in the sound that the band carrying in their veins for a long. It remains brutal old school Death Metal and atmospherically becomes darker, energic and as if it cuts by the sharp edge of a knife. Artur Ambroży on guitars is surely possessed by the spells of death and destruction, and so are his counterparts Sebastian Bartek (bass and vocals) and Kamil Szuszkiewicz (drums). The opening trio of ‘Reluded’, ‘Behind The Temple Veil’ and ‘Tired Of Dying’ will surely add volume to the player, as Artur and Co. greeted you with a sound that is cruel, raw and at the same time dark and organic. Like Death or Black Metal is a response to the reality and the compositions transmitting that. Yet, the compositions will never be like trying to win a speed test but further surprise with the upcoming ‘Collision Course’, ‘The Hum Of A Thousand Voices’, ‘On The Edge’, ‘Purgatory’ and the closer ‘To Die, To Sleep, No More’. The onslaught will endure in your mind for long and that’s the strength of this new offering and showing the musical prowess of this latest trio. Also, lyrically you will find religion, depression, stupidity, politics and a lot of different things to make it more explorable. For retaining that atmosphere during the recording process, mixing and mastering Jarosław Toifl (MAQ Records studio) should get huge credits. And with those all, “Vandari” will surely make you remember a song, possess your Metalhead and should give CORTEGE another thrust in their pursuit. To find out more about the band and label, please visit www.facebook.com/cortege.poland or www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077047842772