Review by Felix on December 12, 2021.

The first time that I listened to Armoured Angel was a relatively strange experience, because in fact I did not listen to the band. Hellbringer's first vinyl turned its rounds on my turn table and the sound of "My Fist Your Face" filled the room. I did not realize that it was a cover because it worked excellently in the context of Hellbringer's own compositions. So now you might have a first indication about the sound of Communion.

The three Australians (Armoured Angel, not Hellbringer) play a very generic, heavy and authentic kind of thrash metal. The riffs on Communion embody brutality in its purest form. At the same time, Armoured Angel present a very casual way of proceeding. The band is not afraid of offering mid-tempo songs ('Castration', the title track), yet I do not miss anything. High speed thrash is always a fine thing, but the violent efficiency of the guitar makes up for this loss. In particular the title track appears as a heavyweight steamroller that has never heard words such as "compromise", "indulgence" or "charity". The thoroughly working riffs of the rasping guitars leave nothing but scorched earth. The raw vocals are the second feature that stands out, while the rhythm section just does its job precisely.

Communion was a demo, but its sound exceeds the expectations. In view of the well-balanced and aggressive mix, uninformed listeners would swear that they are enjoying a regular publication. Dear fellows, you are wrong. Apart from this, the level of musicianship also does not indicate a non-professional formation. Each and every song relies on a solid construction and the band has a very good instinct for the balance between variety and accessibility. For example, the opener scores with a demonically growing introduction, strong verses, a short, pretty dynamic bridge and a stunning up-tempo part at the end. However, the riffs are the stars.

The remaining tracks, 'Tergiversator' and 'My Fist Your Face', make clear that Armoured Angel also cherish rapid thrash. These songs leave an impact, too, yet the more original tracks are the mid-paced pieces. Anyway, all songs are cut from the same cloth and details like the guitar solo of 'Tergiversator' or the smooth flow of 'My Fist Your Face' burn a hole in your brain and make you lose control. This band is simply cool and they play the roles of the unapproachable outsiders in black leather jackets very convincingly. Moreover, the blue vinyl looks great and the entire design of the output (lyric sheet, all songs on one side of the record, a band pic on the other side) deserves applause. I would like to thank the metal archaeologist who dug out this treasure - old school thrashers, it's your turn.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Faithless on June 2, 2020.

Blasphemous and hateful anthems dedicated to the darkest corridors of the human condition, that’s what you will find in this short in length but relentless release. Abhomine hails from United States, this is their second release and is composed by six blasphemies and two amazing musicians with a long career on their backs. Pete Helmkamp of Angelcorpse fame and Cameron Grant of Crucifier and Grand Belial’s Key. I think this project really thrives on the fact of having these two experienced musicians, they know what they’re doing and they do it well.

The first song 'Heresy Pulpit' hits you in the face without remorse, no intros, no melody, no trends. The structure is simple but effective, torturing the listener with sharp riffs, heretic screams and merciless drumming. Ok, it is easy to enter into the mood of the album, there are no intricate musical structure or complex themes, only hate and venomous wrath. The second track 'Infidel and Unclean' begins with more prominent and audible bass lines giving a more crushing atmosphere to the music itself. The feast of death metal and black metal styles blends smoothly and as I said before, it was easy for me to decipher the musical concept behind. The attack is constant, the songs are short but substantial and succeed to make you feel the blasphemy and hate the band wants to transmit. Proselyte Parasite Plague is an album that holds no pretentions or expectations more than being loyal to the most despicable and hateful principles of underground metal. 'Gogamgoz' keeps with the intense feeling of “I want to bang my fucking head against the wall”, a declaration of principles and a hate letter against commercial music. Next song is 'Blacklist' the longest one in the whole record, showcasing odious vocals that summon darkness and fit like a glove into Abhomine’s concept. By now, you get it, this band is not a tough cookie, if you are really into extreme underground metal; you will jump for joy listening to these glorious tunes. Bands nowadays complicated their music too much in order to sound more hipster and they forget the roots of aggression that ignited the whole movement. Fortunately, Abhomine keeps it real and don't forget that metal is aggressive, hateful and disgusting! The record ends with two more violent attacks packed with infernal riffs that will poison your soul, 'Saracen' and 'Progeny Devoid'.

All things considered, I said that the record was not a tough cookie in the sense that the music is straight forward enough to let you know the band's intention. They just want to unleash hell in the most direct way possible, no melody, no fillers, no intros; only attack, attack and attack. The tunes are all relentless and waste no time building atmosphere, they are ready to destroy your mind and soul. Abhomine is keeping the underground flame alive releasing their second album Proselyte Parasite Plague; a devastating force and a declaration.

Rating: 8.6 out of 10