Ammit
Hammer of Darkness
5.4
Touting their fourth full-length in fourteen years are Chilean black/thrash attackers known by the name of Ammit. While I prefer black metal that’s not saturated with thrash leanings, there is something to be said for the grittiness of Hammer of Darkness. As vile as the recording is, though, I find myself being repelled by several elements used by these grim South Americans.
First off, the vocals are sinister in a gravelly kind of way, and remind me more of Vomitorial Corpulence than I wish they did. Still, there’s a primordial, abrasive quality about Count Czar’s vocalizations that will, most likely, prove to be rather divisive. The music is basically the epitome of black thrash, and is frosty to boot. The lack of slick production, though significantly clearer than most BM records, complicates things somewhat, as the bass drum is unfortunately lost in the mix. The vocals steal the front while the wiry guitar riffs and hi-hat/snare compete for the subsequent spots. Of course, needless to say, this wouldn’t be black metal without song titles about fires, plagues, sharks, and dogs, so all of those keywords are scattered throughout. Can’t get enough incessant wailing matched with jumbled instrumentation? Check out “Pure Infernal Fire,” which is the introduction I might add, for all your needs. Want to hear a cover of Accept’s “Fast as a Shark”? No? Oh well, you’ll get one anyway! “Dogs of Hell” forwards the vibe, as Ammit steamroll over other tunes until they hit twelve. Mostly, Hammer of Darkness is filled with three-minute compositions that will either have you banging your head in agreement, or shaking it in dissatisfaction.
To be honest, I believe this troop can’t be approached without knowing full well what’s in store. I won’t endorse this album, but I will say that it’s not completely bereft of drive, aggression, and other traits that make black metal so fun to listen to. Frankly, I just didn’t like it that much, nor will I be purchasing it once it’s released. I haven’t heard any of the following, though consider trying the members’ respective side-projects for more lucrative results: Kratherion (black), Teofobia (death/thrash), and Denying Nazarene (death). At any rate, whatever you do, don’t mistake Ammit’s Hammer of Darkness for Mortification’s Hammer of God. It’d be quite hilarious if you did, but the latter would probably inflict more pain on you than the former.
