Relics of Humanity - Absolute Dismal Domain

Angry Metal Guy 60

Time to hit the reset button, shake off the writing funk, and forge on into a bold and hopefully killer year of metal. As easy as it may be to get caught up on the missed albums of a solid 2024 campaign or fall into the comfort of favorites and old classics, 2025 has already kicked off with a truckload of new releases to explore. Taking a random dip into the promo sump, I picked up the third LP from unheralded brutal death metal act Relics of Humanity. Hailing from Belarus and forming in 2007, these folks are hardly newcomers to the scene, although guitarist/chief composer Sergey Liakh appears to be the sole remaining member from their earliest demo days. Nevertheless, some experienced bandmates are in tow to fulfill his uncompromising vision. Despite various singles, a compilation, and EP release, the last full-length from the Willowtip-affiliated band dropped in 2014, so Absolute Dismal Domain marks a comeback of sorts, at least in LP terms. Coming off a particularly brutal, uncompromising year of deathly platters, can Relics of Humanity leave a bruising impression to warrant your attention?

Bruising is certainly one word that springs to mind when blasting this rugged, no-frills chunk of brutal death. Absolute Dismal Domain punches hard and takes no prisoners, favoring thick, viscous grooves and dirty, down-tuned pummels to bury the listener into the submission with brute force, rather than an abundance of speed or technical finesse. The gritty production and drum tones lend the album an old school underground vibe, as Relics of Humanity channel the nasty sewer-dwelling carnage of Devourment, coupled with the extra chunky riffs and grooves of underrated stalwarts Dawn of Demise. Pared down to a lean and appropriately efficient thirty-two-minute runtime ensures Relics of Humanity maximize impact, with majority of cuts falling in the palatable three-to-four-minute timeframe.

Despite boasting the right ingredients for a brutal slice of knuckle-dragging fun, the first few spins were underwhelming. The songwriting failed to stick beyond a surface level, and songs seemed to bleed unimaginatively into one another. However, under further inspection, there is a deceptively addictive mix of dank, unsettling atmospheres, subtle dynamics, and pure headbangable enjoyment to be pulled from the album’s filthy pores. Chunky, pile-driving heaviness and inventive drum work propels songs that rely heavily on doom-spattered chugs and mid-paced pummels, occasionally roughed up with thumping, in-your-face blasts and slammy, murderous grooves (“Taking the Shape of Infinity,” “Absolute Dismal Domain”). These serve to liven the pace, though the focus is more on crushing intensity rather than lightning-fast blasting. “Smoldering of Seraphim” is a fine showcase of Relics of Humanity’s strength of balancing slower tempos and uber-heavy riffs and grooves, with skull-cracking blast segments.

Favoring an all-out destructive approach, Relics of Humanity also add some sinister atmospheric elements, creating unsettling, otherworldly vibes. This is particularly evident on the bleak, apocalyptic touches illuminating “Paralyzing the Light II,” and sparse, ritualistic-esque experimental sounds emanating from closer “Dominion.” Rock-solid performances abound from the experienced line-up, upholding a tight, beastly framework. Drummer Vladislav Vorozhtsov’s work behind the kit is especially noteworthy. His punchy, thick double bass grooves are a constant focal point driving the album’s pummeling, groove-oriented approach. However, it’s his snappy snare work and inventive fills that add subtle complexities and flare to proceedings. Flo Butcher is the next man in line to take over vocal duties, in what appears an area of instability for the band. Butcher’s incomprehensible growls and nasty bellows cut an imposing figure, though the somewhat one-dimensional display and vocal forward mix are drawbacks. Speaking of the production and mix, while there is much to like about the unvarnished, extra-heavy sound and sick drum tones, the mix is uneven, drums and vocals tending to overshadow guitars that could use a sharper, meatier presence in the mix.

Overall, Relics of Humanity slam down a solid slab of brutal death to kick off the early days of 2025. The album features endearing moments of underground brutal death and blunt force menace to compensate for the less memorable aspects of their songwriting formula and production qualms. While unlikely to remain in heavy rotation, I have enjoyed my time with Absolute Dismal Domain. Though long-term satisfaction may be questionable, listeners craving a heaving dose of unclean, no-frills brutality might find the fix they require.



Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Willowtip Records
Websites: RelicsofHumanity.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/relicsofhumanity
Releases Worldwide: January 31st, 2025

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