Caveman Cult - Supremacia Primordial 10" (Larval Records)

The cult of the caveman came back this year, after three releases between 2014 and 2016, 'Rituals Of Savagery', 'Savage War is Destiny' and 'Barbaric Bloodlust', which had a huge impact in the most savage side of the Black/Death Metal scene (and which need an urgent re-release as they sold out pretty quick). 

Their new 10" (I love this format) is presented by a very primitive cover done by Warhead Art from Ukraine, which mixes a hunting party cave painting with their two huge spike clubs, a perfect presentation for their noise. And the 10" is single-sided, having a etching on the B side with the same design as the inner sheet, where a pair of werewolves armed with spike clubs remain on the top of a pile of corpses.

On the musical side, nothing has changed too much from their previous outputs, and I'm sure you didn't expect nor desire that to happen if you already enjoyed their apocalyptic tunes. But it becomes pretty clear since the very first track (of the four) and the 12 minutes of music included on 'Supremacía Primordial' that they will not stagnate either on the exact same phormula without giving it a new twist. Intensity is present from start to finnish, there is no place for breathing, and the production definitely puts them at the top in this matter. Guitar and bass sound is so dense that it creates a fucking wall of low distortion absorbing everything around it, and still reveals a great bunch of good riffs, (and great bass lines) aggressive and absolutely crushing, but also very catchy (in a way that can easily make me think of Archgoat), unlike so many copycats in the genre that do not even know how to correctly copy the way of the creators of this bestial path.  And Alvar Antillon has a very impressive way of vomiting his warlike invocations. I actually find his vocal lines incredibly strong and possessing on this recording, and also like the fact thay his tone varies a bit between pure caveman growls and disgusting screams.

On the percussion side, I could easily say you can find the most important element of the band. The guy behind the drum kit is none but Rick Smith (Torche, Shitstorm), which might be a surprise for those who didn't know yet, but shouldn't be for those who have seen him behind his kit and witnessed how savagely he punishes his kit with Torche (I remember him jumping from his seat before smashing the snare at Hellfest 2009). His blasting is totally unrelenting, with a slightly different/personal approach in comparison to what you can usually find in the genre. Which probably has to do with a more evident Grindcore influence in the faster parts. Although "not so fast ones" are in the classic vein of the genre (Blasphemy, Conqueror), blasting at a mid-pace skull-smashing pace. I've read some complaints about the drum sound on this record, and I can't really see what is the problem here, it snare might sound a bit upwards in comparison to the rest, but that's perfectly fine to give that sense of absolute devastation.

They are definitely the only band I can think of who can stand up to the standards of current masters of the genre such as Revenge or Heresiarch, although at the same time they have their own personality, despite the very straight-forward and unilateral approach of their sound. 

Barbarism returns, and it does from the state of Florida. The Caveman Cult is one of the most brutal and unmercyful units of the genre, and they only need these four tracks to make it loud and clear. Put the volume at maximum level, push the repeat button, and start smashing skulls until your arms and your ears bleed.

www.larvalproductions.com