Label - Trepanation Records
Release Date- 31st March 2023
Words - Chris Fletcher
The UK metal scene is undoubtedly in ridiculously good health right now, and the latest offering from Kent-based riff-slingers Allfather is another set of top-tier tunes to further our ongoing dominance. Six furiously incendiary tracks that showcase their love of all things heavy, the band are clearly on top of their game and full of ambition, A Violent Truth was written over the course of a global pandemic and capturing all of the pent-up anger, fear and exhaustion of four dudes dealing with the dark and hopeless times we find ourselves in.
Fusing their love of death, black, thrash, sludge AND doom metal throughout the albums twenty-five minute run time, this is one hell of an interesting ride, and fans of bands like Mastodon and even Immortal will find plenty on offer to whet their appetites. Throughout the course of the record however, one admirable trait is that they manage to make songs about such dark times and dystopian nightmares sound like such a party - a pissed-off and powerful good time is a difficult thing to pull off, but that's exactly what's waiting for you the moment you press play.
And speaking of pressing play, opening track 'Poison Soil' kicks off with a sludgy riff and pounding drums that set the tone nicely, and second track 'Black Lungs' begins with a slow build before all hell breaks loose. Further down the line the appropriately named interlude 'A False Peace' has a more gentle intro before it ultimately and satisfyingly crushes you. From here we get to see more influences on display as 'The Hunt Infernal' shows off some real black metal credentials and closing track 'Cast Off The Cross' will have any thrash fan begging for more.
Production wise this album also nails it. Nothing is lost in the mire as the drums pound loud and clear in the mix and the face-erasing solos cut through the noise delightfully. As expected though, the riff is king, and whether it's slow and lumbering or fast and furious it is always heavy and, importantly, always good.
Truly, the biggest strength of A Violent Truth is that whilst it encompasses all of these different styles and influences, it is much more than the sum of its parts. The way Allfather have managed to seamlessly craft these six cuts shows a songwriting proficiency that is off the scale. Couple this with a mastery of pacing that keeps you on your toes and this is a band that demands your attention, and one that more than deserves it. To sum things up in their own words: Beards, Metal, Fuck You.
9/10.
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