Vacivus – Rite of Ascension (Goatprayer Records, 2015).

A dark, murky slab of Death Metal, it is no surprise that Vacivus, formed from members of Dawn of Chaos, are soon to be playing alongside the likes of Interment, Cruciamentum, and Necros Christos. This five track EP, released on cassette earlier this year by Goatprayer Records, exudes the putrid aura of a rotten, desecrated church turned over to the worship of Death. This is the best visual metaphor to give for this 25 minute long ride through pitch-black Death Metal darkness. Whilst musically reminiscent of Grave Miasma and the aforementioned Necros Christos, this is no mere carbon copy. The demo is well produced, and the artwork and layout is fantastic. A band well worth checking out.

8.5/10.