Vitrify - Vitrify

If you are not familiar with Vitrify, I wouldn't blame you. The Chicago based band appeared on the scene in 2020 has finally released their very first release in the form of their self-titled demo 'Vitrify'. Their style can be described as blackened death metal with the focus more on the black metal side than the death metal side. I came across this band on my weekly Bandcamp travels and by the looks of the cover, I decided to check out Vitrify.

One of the first things that caught my interest were the vocals. I can't say who the vocals are from since there is almost no information about the band on Bandcamp or Facebook. The vocals do remind me a bit of Abbath sometimes but a bit less raspy. Of course the band has a lot of heavy metal influences. Especially during the solo's. Very heavy metal-esque.

During the first song 'Absent Mind' you do hear the rookie-ness in the guitar work especially. From time to time it might sound sloppy but that word should only be used with bands that have more than a debut to their catalog. However, it does add a layer of filth to the black metal Vitrify provides. Let's say that Immortal ain't perfect too which we hear a lot of back in the music of Vitrify.

However during the demo, Vitrify is improving itself song by song. Vitrify surprises us with memorable riffs throughout the demo. There are a few in the second song 'Vanitas'. Especially the melodic guitars which take the upper hand during 'Vanitas'. Yes, it has got repetitive drums however that also has got its charm.

Overall, Vitrify sounds like the less chaotic/mature version of 'Sons Of Northern Darkness' era of Immortal. There is some work to be done but it isn't a demo that you cannot listen to. It is a good listen and it wouldn't get turned off during a car drive towards a gig or something like that.