EP Review: Hideous Divinity – LV-426 (Century Media Records)

Italian technical death metal heavyweight’s Hideous Divinity will release a conceptual EP on April 23rd, 2021 via Century Media Records. Titled ‘LV-426’, the EP is inspired by the beloved action/horror sequel, Aliens. The band have chosen to focus the detail of the EP on the character of Rebeca Jorden, better known as Newt. The band explains:

We chose to concentrate on the story of Rebeca ‘Newt’ Jorden, the 6-year old girl rescued on the alien infested planetoid LV-426 by Ellen Ripley. We live the story from her point of view, a mixture of childhood’s happy life and memories cut off by the alien attack.

Do you love technical death metal, and do you love Aliens? Do you love conceptual writing? What about the progressive rock stylings of Coheed and Cambria?

If the answer to most of that was yes, then you’re in for a damn good time with this three track EP. After smashing heads apart with 2019’s Simulacrum, there’s a lot of hunger for more noise from Hideous Divinity. Which they are more than happy to deliver with two brand new tracks; Acheron, Stream of Woe & Chestburst. As well as a blistering cover of Coheed and Cambria’s Delirium Trigger.

Famous for plying an intense blend of technicality and crushing death metal, LV-426 is no different. The intro of Acheron, Stream of Woe relays the Aliens’ style dread and the impending horror is so appetising. The tension is cranked up, finally snapping as Hideous Divinity kick into a wild showcase of their technical and brutal mastery. Reckless and debauched, chaos reigns as all hell breaks loose.

The bar was set there and while the following Chestburst doesn’t quite reach those heights, it is still another nasty hunk of viciousness. Where Hideous Divinity’s wrath throbs with unnatural determination to be birthed fully. The ribs are smashed through and blood erupts like a geyser. It’s both horrifying and magnificent at the same time.

The final offering is the Coheed and Cambria cover and sees Hideous Divinity apply their unwavering harsh sound to interesting results. Very interesting results in fact. Where the seed of the original is still growing inside the more ruthless style this band portrays. Very admirable stuff.

How can’t you love everything Hideous Divinity do? LV-426 is a damn fine release.

Hideous Divinity – LV-426 Full Track Listing:

1. Acheron, Stream of Woe
2. Chestburst
3. Delirium Trigger (Coheed and Cambria Cover)

Links

Bandcamp | EP Order