Album Review: Brodequin - Harbinger Of Woe
Reviewed by Daniel Phipps
The 94-03 period in death metal will forever be my favourite period of the genre (to this point). You can scream and shout about 1986 or 1992 all you want but sorry that time frame doesn't hold a candle to what was produced during 94-03. One of the most furious and straight up brutal no BS bands of this time hailed from Knoxville, Tennessee and go by the name of Brodequin and after a reunion in 2015 and a short two track release in 2021 this legendary band are back and Harbinger of Woe is the band's first full length record in two decades.
Brodequin have not mellowed during their time away from the brutal death metal circuit, we were given a taste in 2021 and Harbinger of Woe is no different. Fans have an expectation of what they will get from this band and it's safe to say that this record is a kick right in the face. Drummer Brennan Shackleford is an absolute machine and the drums on this record deliver an absolute massive punch, especially the kick drums which are devastating. The Bailey brothers compliment the drums with a selection of riffs that are straight up nasty and Jamie Bailey’s vocals sound stronger than ever as his powerful guttural vocals fill every track sounding like a blocked up drain. When you put this together Harbinger of Woe is the audio equivalent of GBH.
The biggest change in the 20 years has been how full this record sounds. Brodequin in the past it's fair to say have had quite raw production even when compared to albums of the same period. This record has a more modern sound whilst remaining very much an honest representation of brutal death metal and not going hyper processed in the production process.
It can be a risk when a legendary band return after such a long time with new music. So many attempts fall a bit flat once the initial thrill of new material wears off. This can't be said for Brodequin and Harbinger of Woe comes across as extreme and savage as material that they released in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
