Art of Propaganda is proud to present Thornesbreed's second album, GTRD. Long-awaited to say the very least, GTRD is Thornesbreed's first full-length in 12 years, and first new release since 2011.
However, during that time, the German quintet have been in a quiet 'n' clandestine state of transition. Formed in 1997 as a death metal band, Thornesbreed released three demos before signing a deal with Animate Records, who released the band's debut album, The Splendour of the Repellent, in 2003 to good critical response across Europe.
Following the album's release, the band played over 100 concerts across Europe and some select festivals in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. That time spent on the stage, as well as burning desire to dive deeper into blacker realms, has resulted in Thornesbreed's crowning statement of their new era, GTRD.
"Brutal black metal" is one way to describe the record, as its muscularity is deeply informed by black metal, and its attack can be morbidly exhausting on both the physique and the psyche. Peel away that pithy description and you'll find a bottomless pit of grime and grimness, one where the only reasonable response is to submit to the soul-devouring sonic devastation and drown into oblivion. GTRD is that strangely titled, strangely alluring pit - rendered all the more horriffic and hi-fi courtesy of the mix/mastering by A.O.D. at Temple of Disharmony - and Thornesbreed dare you to enter.
I heard a recent 2021 metal album that was, in two words, fucking atrocious (hint - the band starts with "Kos" & has some of the worst album art in recent memory). With the sound of that shitty album still ringing in my ears, I went to my go-to band to wash it away: Blaze of Perdition. This album is just so deep, complex & epic with my favorite Sonneillon vocals to date. But definitely check "Ashes Remain" the next time you hear a superficial band trying too hard. It will make you believe again. bcb723
This is my favorite Sulphur Aeon album. From the amazing artwork to the mesmerizing music that features some incredible riffs and melodies Jurgen Marenco
The eight tracks on the latest from German black metal band pummel and hiss, working occasional atmospheric moments into the din. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 12, 2022
An outstanding slab of atmospheric black metal, “Sisyphus” cannily blends texture and terror for a gripping final product. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 7, 2021
Plebeian Grandstand's False Highs, True Lows seems like a tribute to Deathspell Omega. Now that is not a bad thing at all when it's done extremely well.
This album is a brutal dissonant assault. The production is top notch and makes each instrument stand out in their own right.
If you're a fan of Deathspell Omega and are looking for more of the same than Plebeian Grandstand will definitely satisfy your cravings.
9/10 ChrestusV