Have you ever wondered what it’s like to dive headfirst into a maelstrom of old-school death metal chaos, only to find yourself swallowed by its unrelenting power and grim elegance? If not, then Concrete Icon is here to guide you through that brutal, uncompromising passage. With “Voracious Streams“, their upcoming material, the Finnish quartet has firmly established themselves as a key presence in the underground death metal scene. The new album is unrefined, intense, and beautifully dark—everything you could want from a band that’s been honing their craft since 2007.
The official logo of the band
© Concrete Icon
Concrete Icon
© S.P.
“Voracious Streams”: Concrete Icon’s Relentless Roar Through Death Metal’s Darkest Depths
The band’s approach to death metal marries angular, American-style riffing with the melancholic, brooding undertones of their European counterparts. This duality is evident throughout “Voracious Streams”, which can be likened to a flood, relentless yet tempered by a melodic edge that cuts deep. After numerous lineup changes, the band’s current four-piece configuration has proven to be their most effective weapon, delivering a sound that’s both feral and precise.
And with that said… Let’s dissect this beast, track by track!
Opening with a thunderous assault, “Slaves of Hostile Dominion” sets the tone for the album. The relentless drumming and razor-sharp riffing immediately grab your attention, while the guttural vocals feel like a war cry from the abyss. It’s a declaration of intent: Concrete Icon is here to dominate.
“Aberrant Tyranny” showcases the band’s knack for crafting memorable riffs that stick with you long after the music fades. The interplay between the guitar and bass creates an oppressive atmosphere, dragging you deeper into the album’s dark world. The midsection slows things down just enough to let the ominous tones sink in before plunging back into chaos.
A hurricane of aggression, “Storm of Denouncement” lives up to its name. The tempo shifts keep you on edge, while the lyrics paint a vivid picture of rebellion and destruction. It’s a highlight for its sheer ferocity and dynamic composition. As it builds, the chaos spills over into “Rats in the Matrix“, where the band leans into their European influences. Here, the track shifts from relentless aggression to a melancholic yet crushing anthem, with haunting melodies woven into the savage rhythm section.
“Inferior Almighty” is a slow-burning juggernaut, a masterclass in building tension. The creeping intro gives way to a relentless onslaught, with each instrument adding layers to the track’s suffocating heaviness. It’s the sonic equivalent of a tidal wave crashing down on you.
“From Wisdom to Carnage” offers a slight change of pace, shifting to a more groove-oriented approach while still maintaining the band’s trademark intensity. The instrumentation here is as crushing as ever, but with a rhythmic swing that gives it a different edge. This leads seamlessly into “Chaos Cult“, where the energy takes off like a rallying cry. The band fires on all cylinders, with ferocious riffs and unrelenting drum work that make this track an undeniable headbanger.
“Voracious Streams“, the title track, is the perfect closer, encapsulating everything Concrete Icon excels at. It’s both anthemic and punishing, leaving you in awe of the band’s ability to balance melody and brutality. The final moments feel like the calm after the storm, a brief respite before you inevitably hit repeat.
One More Story, This Time About the Artwork
The artwork for “Voracious Streams”, created by the talented Juan Castellano, perfectly reflects the album’s power and dark intensity. The image of a masculine figure seated on a throne, bathed in green tones, embodies the commanding and unrelenting force that defines the band’s vision and sound. This figure, both imposing and stoic, mirrors the album’s balance of aggression and melancholy.
The cover artwork for “Voracious Streams”
© Juan Castellano
Final Thoughts
“Voracious Streams” is truly a ride through death metal’s darkest corners. Concrete Icon’s latest effort hits with a brutal, no-holds-barred intensity that grips from start to finish. The sound is relentless, carving through layers of aggression and dark melody, never letting up. Each track is a hammer blow, heavy and unforgiving, yet balanced with moments that bring a haunting, melodic touch.
Recorded and mixed during 2024, this album is a beast of production. The first single of “Voracious Streams” drops with a roar, signaling the arrival of an album that pushes boundaries. Expect the full release on January 20, 2025, with CD copies via Memento Mori and cassette editions by Fetzner Death Records. Digital platforms will follow in February 2025, courtesy of Redefining Darkness Records. This is one you won’t want to miss.
A Look at the Tracklist
“Slaves of Hostile Dominion”;
“Aberrant Tyranny”;
“Storm of Denouncement”;
“Rats in the Matrix”;
“Inferior Almighty”;
“From Wisdom to Carnage”;
“Chaos Cult”;
“Voracious Streams”.
Get in Touch with the Band!
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHygk2I9wz_LIb6a2Un0prg;
Bandcamp: https://concreteicon.bandcamp.com/;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concreteicon;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concreteiconfin/.
