Review by Felix on June 4, 2020.

After more than ten years of silence, I do no longer expect a new Lugubre work. That’s a pity, even though their Marduk-influenced form of black metal, commuting between “Panzer Division” and “Heaven Shall Burn…”, does not surprise with a big portion of individual elements. However, the Dutch dudes have written nine very robust songs and one of them stands out.

The Netherlands were not involved in the Great War, but Lugubre’s cynically titled 'Mustard Gas Ambrosia' takes us back to the muddy, blood-soaked fields of Flanders where an unimaginable number of German, French and English soldiers died (for no reason). The first guitar tones of this highlight cut through the ears like the splinters of an enemy bomb, the staccato barking of the lead vocalist evokes apocalyptic war scenarios and the song as a whole degrades any kind of clemency to a distant memory. My armchair is too comfortable to imagine myself in a trench with fallen comrades at my side. Nevertheless, this infernal eruption almost causes goose bumps in view of its perfect liaison between the music and the lyrics.

The further tracks do not achieve the impressive excellence of 'Mustard Gas Ambrosia', but they also do not stand in its shadow. They can rely on solid riffing, vehement leads and hyper-fast drumming as well. Only a few parts are going astray – 'Enslavement', for example, lacks compactness. Yet this remains an exception. The energy level is amazing, the sharp and powerful production does the material justice and the homogeneity of the compositions does not lead to an indefinable confusion. If the guys of Norway’s Tsjuder love their own music, they will enjoy Supreme Ritual Genocide as well. Maybe Lugubre missed the chance to integrate two or three choruses that keep ringing in the listener’s ears for a long time, but this is no pop metal and therefore I do not take this blemish too serious. What really counts is the black essence that emerges in violent eruptions such as 'Via Negativa'. Its dynamic configuration ensures a feast for all those who want to listen to black metal without any type of external flavors.

Lugubre know how to create a violent yet partly atmospheric approach, although they do not make use of keyboards, acoustic guitars or thunder-and-wind-intros. The band also does not echo Bolt Thrower’s melancholic moments and its affinity for brutality actually fails to correspond to a way of proceeding that integrates a lot of atmospheric elements. But that’s not the crucial factor here, because the horrors of the frontline are the guiding line through the nine tracks. They build the background for the grim, beastly and fearless attack of the quintet. As indicated above, the Netherlands remained neutral back in 1914 and the following years. But it is beyond doubt that they would have been a promising partner for both the Central Powers and the Entente, if they would have had the aggressive momentum of Lugubre.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by Adam M on January 2, 2011.

This album is hard to pin down because it varies the styles played so frequently. At times, there are moments that are almost euphoric musically, but at others it almost dissolves into generic Metalcore. More often than not, the good overshadows the bad here, however Destrage craft an interesting experience. The songs 'Twice The Price' and 'Jade’s Place' are highlights because they are compelling in their structure.

Destrage illustrate genre-blending relatively effectively and the nuances found within the songs elevate them above what you might typically expect from Metalcore. The outfit is truly more ingenious when constantly varying their style than going for all out aggression. There are occasions where Destrage may appear juvenile sounding, but these are overshadowed by the times when they make themselves out to be an intelligent act. Unlike a lot of Metalcore, there is always a tempo shift or instrumentation change that prevents Destrage from becoming generic. Similarly, the songs are better when they concentrate more on the instrumentation than the vocals. The clean vocals at times aren’t appealing and remind of mainstream acts, but the solid instrumental work wins out on the whole for me. Drumming and guitar showcases are impressive and steal the show overall. Furthermore, there are catchy subdued moments at times that bring in elements like acoustic guitar.

Destrage are a very good act, but have even more room to improve in the future, without a doubt. This isn’t a typical metal release, so it comes recommended to fans of bands like Protest The Hero for example. The aspects of the disc that are inventive outweigh those that are annoying on the long run. There will probably be a specific audience that appreciates the most and many others that will ignore it completely, but that’s what you’ll get with a style that is so different.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 7.5
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 7.5

Rating: 7.5 out of 10