ARTIST: MIND ASSAULT
ALBUM NAME: THE CULT OF CONFLICT
RELEASE DATE: 01 MARCH 2021
COUNTRY: SOUTH AFRICA
CITY: SOMERSET WES
GENRE: THRASH/SYMPHONIC/MELODIC DEATH METAL
Members:
Jacques Fourie: Vocals
Francois Pretorius: Guitar
Patrick Davidson: Guitar
Andries Smit: Drums, Orchestration
Ryan Eberlin: Guitar
Donovon Tose: Bass Guitar
Mind Assault is no stranger to the metal scene in South Africa, they have been around a while
and this is very evident when the first track of “Descension” of their brand new album “The Cult
of Conflict” starts playing. This is a very powerful intro to the album, and I almost cannot believe
that this is a local metal band. The vocals immediately remind me of the likes of Amon Amarth,
but yet as the song progresses it takes a unique and different turn. The guitar riffs and solos are
extremely well thought out as well as the drums and background sound effects.
Enter “New World Disorder”. It feels that this song is taking a darker and sinister approach than
its predecessor. The vocals almost sound deeper which compliments the epic drums which
particularly stands out to me on this song. The instrumentals compliment the song in such a
beautiful way.
Coming from an awesome outro and entering the intro of “Mag Verkrag”, the two songs flow into
each other perfectly. Continuing with epic vocals, guitar, and instrumentals, this song does not
disappoint. It reminds me of a huge festival somewhere outdoors and I can just hear this song
blaring across the speakers, no head in the house will not bang.
Just when I start to recover, “Burn Down the Nation” starts playing with full force. This song is
fast and in your face and no one is spared from its might. No wonder I get goosebumps as the
song hits its peak.
I absolutely love the intro to “True Force”, it has a very old-school death metal feel to it. This
song also takes the no-nonsense approach. Loud and fast, I can imagine the moshpits on this
song already. The guitar solos are once again epic towards the end, and I am crazy about the
way the song ends with that typical groove death metal style.
The same can be said for “Wraak” and “Prys die Vaderland” which I did not even immediately
recognize as being in Afrikaans. Well, that was a pleasant surprise. If only more Afrikaans songs
could sound like this I proudly listen to Afrikaans music any day. I also adore the intro to “Prys
Die Vaderland”, it is very well done. Especially the vocal intro.
I really like the mellow down approach to “Corroded World”, it almost gave off a Gregorian Vibe,
and made the image of the album cover come to life for me. The drumming is outstanding and
the instrumentals deserve a ten out of ten. I am sounding like a broken record, but I cannot
stress enough how well these songs are composed. The background vocals are absolutely
stunning.
The song “The Cult of Conflict” nearly drove me to tears, because it is so beautifully done and it
takes your mind to distant long-forgotten worlds within your mind and soul.
“Ghost ship” on the other hand makes one want to grab a huge beer and head out to the vast
seas even though the lyrics are very dark and brooding. It gives off the pirate metal feel almost,
but not in the “jolly” sense. I love the sinister feelings of dread and horror it brings up in me.
The album concludes with yet another two very well constructed tracks “Nightmare” and
“Annihilation of Man”. The latter being very heavy and I believe the perfect conclusion to one of
the best albums I have listened to in a while.
In the words of Mind Assault: “We are – like you are – merely humble acolytes in The Great
Cult. The Cult of Conflict”
“The Cult of Conflict” is an album that kicks ass and takes names later, seriously, this album
is mind blowing and does not have to stand back for anything.
MIND ASSAULT ONLINE:
https://mindassault.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/MindAssault
https://www.facebook.com/mindassault
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