Swiss Death Metal outfit DAMNATORY created some buzz back in the day with their 1991 debut demo “The Persistence Of Archaic Dogma…”. An excellent EP and yet another demo were released that same year. And after their 1993 EP, the band went into hiatus, sadly, without recording a very well deserved debut album. They resurfaced with their 2003 demo, putting the band back into action but nothing came after that. Fast forward to 2023 and we get two new songs and two re-recorded versions from their previous releases. With three original members and the “new guys” coming from another ’90s Swiss band (both ex – MALEVOLENCE), my first question was: would they retain their style or were they coming out with a completely new offering? One of the relevant characteristics that first drew my attention towards DAMNATORY back in the day was the unexpectedness, so to speak, of their songs, but without falling into unnecessary technical or complex playing. They would take a theme and develop it in different ways, adding nuances here and there. Well, the new material proves that these guys are still very good musicians and that they have not forgotten how to write interesting, yet brutal music. The production is so heavy. And I mean like really ton-of-bricks heavy. That is why both the new and the re-recorded songs work flawlessly together. The guitar tone is nasty and murky with the bass guitar filling in both, a huge bottom end and sparkling highs. The drums pound their way through, a little too compressed for my taste, but adding impact to the already dense atmosphere. Last, but not least, the vocals. How can I describe this gurgling and brutal growl? It’s like John Tardy screaming his balls off underwater. Absolutely amazing! This material showcases a very interesting mix of influences from DAMNATORY (all four songs have been released digitally through their Bandcamp site and the song ‘Atavism – Saturation With Bogus Notions Of Evolution’ will furthermore also be featured on a split 7″ EP with the Swiss Death Metal band CHAOSMONGER this summer, limited to 300 copies, via Sweet Chainsaw Melodies Records, in co-operation with Necronos Distribution – Frank). They certainly hold onto their roots, but their sound has evolved in the right way (at least for me, that is). If these songs show anything right now, it is that DAMNATORY has earned that long awaited debut album, which in all cases, will be massive for sure. Already looking forward to it. Suport the band and get their music at https://damnatory.bandcamp.com or contact them and get the lastest news at https://damnatory.webador.ch