A review of Pyre "Human Hecatomb"

 Pyre

"Human Hecatomb" (Re-issue).

Dawnbreed Rec. / Nuclear Winter Rec. 2022

 

"Human Hecatomb" is pretty much a classic by now. This material was originally released eight years ago under the wings of Chaos Records, but recently it has been reissued on the large format by Dawnbreed Records / Nuclear Winter Records. From the time I heard these nine compositions for the first time, I knew this was going to be one of those albums that would always be a great pleasure to listen to. And now, after almost a decade, I won't change my opinion. Why? Well, "Human Hecatomb" has not aged a bit. The music you will find here is more than forty minutes of a true tribute to the European deathmetal scene, mainly Swedish, from the first half of the nineties. The characteristically sandy sound momentarily directs our associations toward Stockholm, as do the songs themselves. The Russians don't try to race against the light or introduce innovative elements by force. There is nothing here that you haven't heard before, and which came out from the fingers of musicians from Nihilist, Entombed or Asphyx.  So what makes Pyre stand out above the average, and high above the average? Well, their songs are full of incredibly catchy, melodic and yet appropriately heavy riffs, like a carcass rotting in a roadside ditch of maggots. Each one is a real blow between the eyes, each one equally painful and perfectly struck. As a result, this album is also remarkably even, and mentioning any of the passages after by title simply misses the point. These harmonies are grave and reek of musty soil. To this, the gentlemen added a handful of really awesome solos and purebred, puking vocals. A recipe as tried and corny as a set of vegetables in a broth. However, you have to admit yourself, when grandma made soup, its taste was always unique. Pyre, from basic ingredients, created a record that really hits the spot. And in fact, I have nothing more to add here. "Human Hecatomb" is still fresh material and certainly better than ninety percent of the Swedish clones appearing on the music market today. Listen to it loudly and bang your head!

- jesusatan