Black Pestilence – Outsiders – Album Review

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Nothing scratches that nagging itch for Metal with grit and grime than some good ol’ fashioned Blackened Thrash and Canada’s Black Pestilence are just the band to rake their dirty fingernails down your back and ease that niggle.

The majority of Outsiders is a blast of Punked-up, Black ‘N’ Roll with the likes of “Horn Of The Devil” and “Razing Taboo” filtering Darkthrone’s recent forays into Motörhead worship while “Sonic Static” is a straight-up, Hardcore Punk kick to the nuts, steel-toe capped and thoroughly pissed-off. The band do deviate from this framework though and when they do they truly excel.

“Unseen Force” is a considerable force to be beckoned with, a grand statement incorporating synthesised vocals, sparse keyboards, Neurosis-inspired experimentation, Industrialised clatter and enough propulsion to break the sound barrier; it’s pretty f*cking awesome and the undoubted highlight of the album. That said, the closing track, “Voiceless Generation” runs it a very close second. Ditching the Blackened Punk-Thrash for an expansive semi-Symphonic Black Metal sound à la Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir, Black Pestilence’s knack for composing catchy yet coarse material is affirmed and bodes exceedingly well for the future.

Grimy, grubby and caked in Crust-Punk spit and bile; like a frat-party in a sewer, Outsiders is fun but you’ll probably need a shower once it’s over! 8/10