Terminal Nation is an extreme metal band from Little Rock, Arkansas who formed in 2014. “Echoes of the Devil’s Den,” is their second full-length album; they have also released two demos, two EPs, two splits, and a live album.
I enjoy the hell out of this album and it is becoming one of my most played of the dozens upon dozens I have listened to and/or reviewed this year. Not only does the band avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump” but they release their best album and set their path onto underground, and perhaps beyond, domination.
“Echoes of the Devil’s Den,” is one of those types of albums that is intense and abrasive but somehow catchy as hell—and a lot of fun to listen to. The band leans more into their death metal side this time around but still retains their hardcore rage and energy. The riffs are bigger, the song’s more tightly constructed, and everything is just way more dynamic. Throughout the twelve song, 40 minute runtime, the band mixes it up and offers a wide pallet of devastation. It has traditional death metal riffs mixed with hardcore breakdowns and chugs. However, sometimes it sounds a bit doomy and dismal, an added layer of mental despondency which works perfect for their subject matter which deals with a variety of real life political and social economic issues.
At many points, influences from Obituary and Bolt Thrower can definitely be heard but there is also a slight mainstream gleam here and there. I know that word is absolutely dreaded (don’t feel bad, I fear it too) but I don’t mean that in any traditional or radio-friendly way. My meaning is, these songs zero in on providing an extreme experience in a way that won’t soon leave you and is very much song based rather than being extreme for the sake of it.
The album opens with the title track—apocalyptic rumbles and thunders of the future mixed with somber, funeral-like tones as sweltering riffs blanket the sky. Just before the one minute mark hits, the title is spat out as the guitars drop the rain. The tempo begins slow to mid tempo but still provides much urgency as it lumbers towards the faster final half. An absolute banger of a song and a perfect one to introduce the album.
The album shows how to grind out a slow, painful groove in the opening moments of “The Spikes Under The Bridge.” The guitars and bass crunch their way through while the drums lay down a foundation sturdy enough to hold all the chaos. The vocals are higher pitched, raspy growls that represent the desperate mood. My favorite part on the album is the breakdown around the 2:09 mark that descends down the spiral as the vocals bark out maddeningly.
Ah yes, “Empire In Decay,” hits next and it’s one of my favorite songs on the album. The way the lead guitar hangs in the beginning as the rhythm drops notes that are as explosive as bombs sets the stage early for a track that is harrowing and filled with nervous energy that is constantly on the edge of a total collapse. The chugging and pervasive growls generate more intensity in under two minutes than some albums do in their entire runtime. Around the halfway mark, the band goes balls out and blitzkriegs through a frantic section that leaves little left to stand.
It seems much has been talked about with “Merchants of Bloodshed,” due to Jesse Leach from Killswitch Engage helping out on vocals. He provides a clean section near the end but it fits the song very well and is a more gruff performance than one might think. But the song uses him wisely, as a compliment to the proceedings rather than the focus. This song is straight up Terminal Nation and another one of my favorites.
“Dying Alive,” is one of the more straightforward and brutal songs on the album. At just over three minutes in length, the song burns bright, quick, and lets their hardcore side hang out. The double bass brings it hard, a stampede that pushes the whole song over the edge to the next level. A slow crushing hardcore/death groove ends the song in a glorious way.
The final song, “Release The Serpents,” is, you guessed it, another fucking banger. Dwid Hellion from Integrity serves up a beastly performance and fits right at home among the ruins of extremity. The last minute and a half or so is surprisingly atmospheric but appropriately tragic….a smart way to end this album.
All in all, Terminal Nation’s “Echoes of the Devil’s Den,” is a monumental achievement and one of the most smartly composed albums I’ve heard in this first half of the year. Any fan of death metal, hardcore, or just damn good extreme music needs this in their collection ASAP.
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