Published: November 10, 2017

Metal maniacs, rejoice! I'm proud to present to you: KASSAD; signed via Hypnotic Dirge Records, hailing from England - performing Black Metal, on the debut album entitled “Faces Turn Away” (released 6th of July, 2017).

Since formation in 2014; the quintet in question have only an EP entitled “Humans” (released January 18th, 2016) and this here album “Faces Turn Away”, I'm introduced to a one-man project incorporating a hard-hitting slab of solid Black Metal intricacies developed in the most horrific of intentions. 7 tracks ranging at around 44:08; the solo artist distributes a menacingly fierce formula of tormenting instrumentation. Right off the earphones with the pummeling “Shame” the distinctive characteristics agonizes my eardrums with savagely sinister screams and shrieks of cold darkness, the melodies are deadly - arranging a blistering aesthetic of constructive rhythms, ambience and velocity in one neat package.  A raw sound production shrouds this record, filthy vehemence amalgamated with diligent technical progression - the song writing is devastatingly dissonant with consistent outbursts of complete malevolence.

“Pariah” consists of catchy percussions while immersed with complexly intense drumming, balanced with traditional Black Metal riffs. The dexterity is efficiently fearsome, and is quite intimidating with the amalgam of atmospheric and melodic elements implemented. “Void” begins the craftsmanship of mysterious manifestations in which is a grandiose of well executed dismal complexions - leading into more hostile pieces like “Madness”, showcasing pulverizing bass supplements and sufficient amount of dominant desolation as the screeching vocals provide elegant anguish and organic substances. The guitar riffs are typical in this sub-genre, captivating in their own intricate way - they comprise of hasty solos, evolving with incredible leaps of epic transformations that are admirably enlightening for a solo artist. There is an abundant amount of experimental contrasts that are very commendable in this release.

“Broken” is a Post-Black Metal anthem, opening up with hypnotic psychedelics that are quite entrancing…building up with more distinguishable attributes and proficiencies. Basically - an all-encompassing sense of existential terror and claustrophobic anxiety fits this best. The titular track “Faces Turn Away” has more mesmerizing hypnosis, as the unprecedented harmonics flourishes with exquisite delicacies. The man's stability in his ability to be artistically creative is a display of self-persona and intellect, in which is quite rare in the music business - still unparalleled and exceptional. Overall concluding the record with the instrumental “Drifting”, which is a calming closer of ambient sounds and computerized overtones…KASSAD profusely outdone himself with this one, sure it's only 7 tracks long - yet it lasts over 44 minutes which isn't bad considering the content supplied. Definitely worth checking out.