Out of one of Canada's lesser talked about areas, comes the Death Metal band, Vathek. Formed in Winnipeg, Manatoba, Vathek have been creating a name for themselves opening for some of the biggest hitters on the road these days. After releasing the debut EP Apocalyptic Pandemic in 2013 and sharing the stage with the likes of Skeletonwitch, Kataklysm, and Aborted, Vathek got working on their first full length release, Aborted Origins.
The first thing to note is the mix of influences throughout this album, the speed and lyrical content similar to Grindcore. Blitzing guitar work and melodic undertones from Thrash Metal. Most prominently though is the chugging and blasting of Old School Death Metal. Instrumentally, Vathek take on a sound very similar to Cannibal Corpse in a lot of sections. "Martial Ingestion" is the perfect instance of this, throughout the majority of the song, the guitar work goes from chugging consistent riffs to small tapping sections. While songs like "Exsanguination Asphyxiation" and "Gratification From Despair" are much more fast paced throughout and take on a much more aggressive, pit-inducing form.
The use of snippets is also used throughout, music like those familiar with Kataklysm's use in almost all their albums. One is found is the heavily Grindcore influenced "Syphilis Shotgun" (originally from the debut EP), which literally just details what it's like to have syphilis in the most gruesome, Metal way possible. While guitar solos are far and few between on Aborted Origins, "Syphilis Shotgun" has a quick little piece near the end of the song, giving the listener just a little nibble at what could be on album number 2.
From beginning to end, Aborted Origins is a hard hitting, no joke Death Metal album. The songs range from the absurd (see the aforementioned "Syphilis Shotgun") to absolutely destructive. Vathek don't hold back from dabbling into Grindcore, Thrash Metal and Brutal Death Metal throughout and try to push the boundaries of what's possible on this album. If Vathek continue to explore and expand their sound going into their next album, the next big Canadian Death Metal band could very well be on the way. Don't hold back, Aborted Origins is definitely worth a listen.
9/10
