Extreme metal supergroup SCOUR returns with Gold, their long-awaited full-length debut, following a trilogy of blistering EPs (Grey, Red, and Black). Helmed by Philip H. Anselmo (Pantera, Down) alongside Derek Engemann (ex-Cattle Decapitation, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals), Mark Kloeppel (Misery Index), John Jarvis (Agoraphobic Nosebleed), and Adam Jarvis (Pig Destroyer, Misery Index), the band refines their hybrid of black metal, grindcore, and death metal into an unrelenting sonic onslaught. With contributions from legendary guitarist Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus) and production finesse by Dennis Israel and Jens Bogren, Gold delivers a merciless experience that cements SCOUR’s place among extreme metal’s elite.
Right from the opening track, “Cross,” the album sets an ominous tone with icy tremolo picking and Anselmo’s venomous snarls cutting through the storm. This momentum bleeds into “Blades,” an absolute ripper reminiscent of classic Norwegian black metal, complete with whirlwind blast beats and haunting atmospherics. Kloeppel and Engemann’s dueling guitar work evokes the cold precision of Emperor and Mayhem, yet retains SCOUR’s unique modern brutality.
The third track, “Infusorium,” shifts gears with grind-infused ferocity, blending brutal riffing and razor-sharp transitions that highlight the tight musicianship of the Jarvis brothers. “Coin” and “Evil” sustain the intensity, infusing thick layers of tremolo-picked melodies over a chaotic rhythm section, while “Devil” injects a groove-laden undercurrent beneath the relentless blast beats.
While black metal purists will find plenty to love, Gold is not a one-dimensional affair. “Ornaments” serves as a haunting interlude, featuring eerie chimes and atmospheric textures before plunging into the abyss of “Coin.” Likewise, “Contaminated” uses unsettling samples to create a dystopian soundscape, adding another layer of depth to the album’s relentless attack.
“Invoke” stands out not only for its pummeling instrumentation but also for its tongue-in-cheek yet sinister lyrics, embracing 90s black metal’s theatricality with chants like, “Invoke the Master’s goat. All hail Satan!” Fans of Anselmo’s more unhinged vocal performances will appreciate the variety of shrieks, gutturals, and spoken passages scattered throughout the record.
While many modern black metal albums lean towards a lo-fi aesthetic, Gold opts for a crisp and powerful mix that doesn’t sacrifice its raw aggression. Mixed by Dennis Israel and mastered by Jens Bogren in Sweden, the album strikes a balance between clarity and brutality, allowing every blast beat, tremolo riff, and guttural growl to cut through with precision. The result is a wall of sound that is both suffocating and exhilarating.
With Gold, SCOUR refines their sound into an absolute juggernaut of an album. It’s not just a triumph for black metal but for extreme metal as a whole, blending relentless aggression with a modern approach to songwriting and production. This album is a must-buy for fans of extreme metal, proving that SCOUR is far more than just a side project—it’s a dominant force in its own right. Gold is undoubtedly an early contender for album of the year, a masterclass in sonic annihilation that will leave listeners battered and begging for more.
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Source: www.antiheromagazine.com
