Goatwhore-- Carving Out The Eyes of God (2009)

Goatwhore is one of those underground metal bands that has been around for more than ten years but has never reached mainstream fame. Now that is not necessarily a bad thing. They have continued to be a force in the underground metal scene with no radio airplay. Their new album “Carving Out The Eyes of God,” is a welcome addition to any fan of metal. From the first track “Apocalyptic Havoc,” to the final track Goathwhore does not fail to deliver. Apocalyptic Havoc starts out with heavy guitar riffs accompanied by a roaring scream. The guitar solo done by guitarist Sammy Duet is well done and only adds to the mayhem. The song was appropriately chosen as the first track as it starts off the album on a good note and really sets the tone of the album. The singing is done in an angered growl which is not as extreme as other death metal bands such as Cannibal Corpse or Behemoth. “Provoking the Ritual of Death,” is another standout on the album. It has a mid tempo start that builds up to a catchy hook. The final track of the album “To Mourn and Forever Wander through Forgotten Doorways,” is an appropriate send off to close off the album with slowed tempo guitar riffing and a guitar solo that breaks up the middle of the song. The double pass guitar peddling of drummer Zack Simmons becomes faster and thundering until it suddenly stops, to which you can finally breathe as you have survived the album. Goatwhore breaks free of the common problem of having every other song sound the same. This is definitely a big issue with death metal bands. Goatwhore provides enough variety and musical changes through this album that provides for a great listen from beginning to end.

I really don’t like restricting bands to one genre as I believe that bands often evolve and bring in different elements from music in general. Goathwhore is definitely a mixture of black/death metal with thrash elements thrown in. If you have never listened to Goatwhore, this album is definitely a good one to start with. If you’re a metal head like me, you already own this album and are just reading this because it’s about Goatwhore.

Tracks:

1. "Apocalyptic Havoc" – 3:16
2. "The All-Destroying" – 3:14
3. "Carving Out the Eyes of God" – 4:20
4. "Shadow of a Rising Knife" – 4:39
5. "Provoking the Ritual of Death" – 3:43
6. "In Legions, I Am Wars of Wrath " – 4:34
7. "Reckoning of the Soul Made Godless" – 3:51
8. "This Passing into the Power of Demons" – 4:27
9. "Razor Flesh Devoured" – 4:18
10. "To Mourn and Forever Wander Through Forgotten Doorways" – 4:19

--Steven M. Duarte