When it comes to Death Metal, Polish duo Dormant Ordeal have all the trappings of a colossal contender within the scene.

Tech Death tendencies, groovy vocal lines, venomous guitar tones, sizzling percussion. They have it all and then some.

Tooth And Nail (Willowtip Records) invigorates, inspires and delivers with a collection of massive tracks that pulls no punches and spares no victims. It features drums that make you (re)love the genre, and super crisp production that allows for a scintillating experience.

Standout song “Horse Eater” incorporates hefty and dense harsh vocals which also carry sexily vicious cadences. Confident, vivacious percussion only enhances the mood.

The eight-minute slug fest “Solvent” sees guitars carrying the torch, aided by muffled, spoken-whispered lines. Entrancing, cult-leader vibes permeate as well, maintaining an air of cautious comfort.

In fact, all throughout the record, a domineering harsh presence keeps things in check and drives proceedings magnificently. The lyrics are delivered with anger and deftness and also aren’t afraid to get punchy and charismatic.

Oh, and “Dust Crown” makes me want to suplex a grizzly bear.

Suffice to say, Tooth And Nail has it all whilst not deviating from the Death Metal formula. It’s elegant and thumping, punishing and delightful.

It’s the end product of two musicians who play to their strengths and show no obvious weaknesses. And we’re all better off having witnessed the giant waking from its slumber and shouting to the world with devastating authority.

Buy the album here:
https://dormantordeal.bandcamp.com/album/tooth-and-nail

8 / 10
MATT COOK
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