It’s been quite a while that I listened to a new Pagan Records-release. Since I am a ‘fan’ and a collector, I used to buy many hands full of material from this Polish label during the nineties (Lux Occulta, Profanum, Moon, Varathron, Misteria etc.), but as from this century it somewhat faded away. Reason: of no importance; let’s say that the concurrence became too pronounced… But anyway, it was time to check out what this label is doing lately, and our mutual collaboration starts with the release of Chalice Of Contempt, the third album for this Polish trio (guitarist / vocalist Rambo, drummer Mnt, and bass player Hiszpan).
The material of this album was recorded at the Left hand Sound Studio, and mixed + mastered at Czyściec Studio by Nihil, whom you might know from the likes of Furia, Morowe, Quintessence Of Hate, CSSABA or Massemord. Chalice Of Contempt consists of eight tracks, which have a total running time of thirty eight minutes. Bloodthirst still bring a vicious and violent form of Black / Thrash Metal with a Teutonic accent and classic-based structures (‘drawing inspiration from the heydays of Thrash Metal legends and adding Black Metal evilness whilst injecting something of their own, Chalice Of Contempt is a development on Bloodthirst’s trademark’ - I couldn’t have said it better…). The riffing and rhythm section are thunderous and pounding, injected with razor-sharp solos, epic melodies, barking / grunting screams, and crafted leads. The production is just monumental: heavy and loud, slightly modernised, yet maintaining the aural spirit of the Old School. Another quote from the label (shamelessly stolen from the bio): ‘sharp riffing, concise and throat-ripping solos, thunderous drums and bass and vicious vocal attack make this album deserving the attention of all Thrash Metal followers across the globe’. I think this statement isn’t exaggerated, at least if you like your Thrash the pitch-black, demonical way. no modern trends, no gimmicks, no Prog; Chalice Of Contempt indeed is recommended to (most) fans of timeless Black-laden (especially Germany-based) Thrash Metal, holding the middle in between merciless aggression and structured melody.
FYI: the tape-freaks will be pleased to, for this album has been issued on cassette as well, as from the very same date (April 14th 2014), via the young yet very promising Polish label Arachnophobia Records.