Nordic brutality that leaves a mark – review of “Heretical Onslaught” by I, Cursed

Sometimes I wonder how far I can push the boundaries of the music that I listen to. And with this band that I’m about to review, my boundaries just took quite a step! Finnish band I, Cursed will release a new EP titled “Heretical Onslaught”, so let’s see what they have prepared for us.

As if I needed some other proof that Finland’s extreme metal scene continues to deliver uncompromising brutality, I, Cursed do not shy away to being an enduring legacy in aggressive music. The album paints a band that understands the delicate balance between honoring the past and innovating their sound. Tracks like “Funerary” and “Swarm” show us how versatile and fierce this group is.

While the instrumental elements are well-balanced and prominent, the vocals feel somewhat buried in the overall mix. This is particularly unfortunate given how crucial vocal delivery is to both death metal and grindcore! The production and mastering are instead of good quality, and this ensures that the EP hits with maximum impact to every listener (I’ve warned you all!).

Rhytmic section handled by Ville-Veikko Laaksonen and Eero Haula is almost by itself a guarantee of quality. Their experience shines throughout the EP and adds value to the final product. Nico Brander provides the necessary bite and precision, while Arttu Leppänen on drums is the relentless backbone that drives the whole group.

“Heretical Onslaught” is a solid addition to Finland’s extreme metal catalogue. In conclusion, the EP showcases a band with clear vision, technical proficiency, and the kind of raw intensity that makes extreme metal compelling. I, Cursed has cetainly the potential of becoming one of the most solid groups in the death and grind genres.

Tracklist:

1. Malignant
2. Impure
3. Nothing From The Ruins
4. Disfigurement
5. Funerary
6. Loss
7. Swarm
8. Death Pays It All