After two demos under the name Katalysator between 2005 and 2007, the group changed their name to what is now known as Invidious. In 2011, they recorded a new four song EP titled In Death, which was released through the smaller German label Imperium Productions on various colored vinyl, some a highly limited pressing. If you happened to miss it the first time, Sepulchral Voice Records is making it available once again in December of 2013. While previous material exists, this recording doesn’t take from the two previous recordings, and is composed of all new material. But is this gritty recording one worth seeking out?

In Death will immediately strike the listener with a strong raw audio quality that throws back to dirtier early Death Metal performances from bands like Autopsy and Possessed. The distortions on the guitar are pretty rough and tuned low, but it’s the loud twangy bass that really stands out during the blistering assaults that sometimes show a hint of Thrash Metal influence, such as during the abrasive “Throne of Death.” The harsher vocal approach matches the hint of analog brutality and anger on display in the enthusiastic performance, but slows down to a Doom Metal crawl about two minutes in, offering some creepy riffs before diving into a dank guitar solo that is as impressive as it is atmospherically similar to the darkest of catacombs you could hope to enter.

Sadly, that was the most impressive track the EP has to offer, but thankfully not the only enjoyable one. At first the extended introduction of “Black Blood” serves little purpose to the atmosphere, but once the music begins and the sound effects end, it is a nice build to a mid-tempo performance that gains speed and hostility as time goes on. While the chaotic passages are impressive, it’s the short lived groovier sections that will really hook the listener. “Dead Salvation Spawn” is another catchy bass-driven track, but that’s about it. The riffs are pretty simple, and the heavy echo on the vocals, as well as some of the eccentric wails that hit a little more than a minute-and-a-half in give it a neurotic touch. Finally there’s “Visions,” which is your standard early Death Metal track with more of an emphasis on a creepy environment thanks to the sweet, rich buzzing of the guitars.

In Death shows a band that loves the grittier side of Death Metal, and it comes through well enough. While not the most unique experience overall, it’s the few eccentric touches that make it stick out a little more, not to mention the memorable intensity that shows up at times, especially during “Throne of Death.” It’s obvious that Invidious still needs a little more time to nurture their sound, but it shouldn’t be too long before something mind blowing makes its way out of a studio given their all-star line-up of members from In Solitude, Repugnant, even Watain. Until that day, Invidious is a group worth checking out.

Digital review copy of this release provided by Sepulchral Voice Records via Against PR.