Rough Edge Recorded Music Reviews: Vile Cynic

VILE CYNIC

"Agony" (Independent; 2020)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

According to their press information, Chicago's Vile Cynic deliver a "provides a powerful and deeply resonating message with a ferocious and relentless thrash/death assault." I mention that because that's a very apt description of the band's sound.

First of all, I can't speak to the band's lyrics because the lead vocalist demonic, growling vocals are ... for the most part ... indecipherable, as you might expect. The vocals fit perfectly with the music, however, delivering a death metal howl tied up with music that's as much death metal as it is thrash.

The four tracks on this EP all deliver crushing walls of guitar, bass and drums delivered at a breakneck pace that (to paraphrase Lemmy) you won't want to dance to because you'll fuck yourself up. I like the way the tracks start out as though you've put the needle down in the middle rather at the beginning. In other words, there are no slow, teasing, intros to be found here. Each track starts out as though it can't wait to get to the thrash.

I'm not a big fan of death metal, but I do like thrash and I really like the way Vile Cynic combines the two to deliver a pulverizing EP in "Agony."

Vile Cynic: Angelo Hakey - Vocals; Jake Meditz - Rhythm Guitars; Jake Banjeglav - Lead Guitars; Anthony Miller - Bass; Tim Titus - Drums.

For more information, check out https://vilecynic.bandcamp.com/.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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