Vale of Pnath

Taking a hint from God Dethroned, Vale of Pnath merge melody with their blackened death metal ways. But what makes the Denver, CO band's debut self-titled EP stand out is the technicality in the guitar work, which at times, has more of a Neuraxis sound. The four-song EP starts strong with "A Witness To…," containing fast-paced guitars and thunderous death metal drumming. "Carcosa" is easily the best track, and the heaviest, but also includes incredibly melodic guitar solos. With harsh, guttural death metal vocals throughout, vocalist David Lercher displays impressive intensity. "Dens of Inequity" ends the EP and is its most black metal track, with a very dark and ominous atmosphere, but also displays an aggressively heavy and severe sound. With this release, Vale of Pnath show that they have mastered all the aspects of a great extreme metal album: shredding guitars, blast beat drumming, intensely violent vocals and just enough melody.