Album Review: Thy Art Is Murder – Godlike
Reviewed by Liam True
Four years removed from the release of the bands last studio effort, Human Target, Thy Art Is Murder are back with another slab of in-your-face deathcore that’s not for the faint of heart. Godlike is the record that is over shadowed by the band’s previous effort, Human Target was near perfect, so Thy Art are competing with themselves in the game for deathcore dominance.
Opening song Destroyer Of Dreams starts the proceedings with the crunch of the guitars and ominous drums in unison before CJ McMahon chimes in with his deathly grows and high shrieks as the band match his voice in sheer intensity. The chorus provides a small singalong moment before you’re hit with the first of many drops. It’s an intense start to the album. Blood Throne, Keres & Join Me In Armageddon are the albums singles that are packed with enough power to make a turbine blush. The roars of McMahon and shredding guitars of Sean Delander & Andy Marsh provide the backdrop for the armageddon that McMahon sweetly invites us to.
Everything Unwanted hits the mid-point of the album, and one thing is clear. McMahon has employed some newer vocal techniques. His vocals sound more powerful. His low growls are deeper and more guttural. His high wails hit notes he’s never reached before. To the point, his vocals are stronger than ever throughout the album. The drumming of Jesse Beahler is more technical, and he shows his ability to throw down harder than he has since joining the band back in 2019. Everything Unwanted shows the bands more tender side. While the song is still Thy Art being Thy Art, the background symphonics collide with the gritty guitars to create a hauntingly beautiful melody.
The entire album is a violent, chaotic mess of unimaginable putridity. The Aussie deathcore giants have taken their formula. Injected it with 10cc’s of brutality to create 2023’s most disturbing album. McMahons vocals tear through the record, the guitars cut through you like butter and the double bass machine gun assault just tops the album off perfectly. Godlike is an apt name for the album, as it’s pushing the boundaries of deathcore, and elevating Thy Art into the upper echelons of deathcore.
