Metalcatto
Yes, I’ll be honest, I saw Fermento’s Acts of Blood artwork and thought: “This is exactly what I need on a hot summer day.” There’s nothing like indulging in some self-inflicted sonic punishment. That, and the fact that there aren’t many bands pushing this Death/Black hybrid from Spain. At first, I assumed it was from Eastern Europe, but I quickly realized I was dealing with a group that’s been part of the extreme Metal underground since the early days of the Spanish scene. At MER, we don’t hand out veteran points just for longevity—but this time, an exception might be earned.
Acts of Blood is a nonstop assault, a grim downpour of chaos and decay. Sure, the speed and brutality are obvious from the first track, but what really got under my skin was the dense, suffocating atmosphere. It reminded me of bands like Desolate Shrine—the kind of buzz that doesn’t just disorient you, it grinds you down over time. There’s something deeply oppressive here, and while the sound leans a bit more Black than Death for my taste, that doesn’t reduce the sheer weight of it all.
What unsettled me the most (in a good way) were those grotesque, tortured vocals. They sound less like growling and more like someone being flayed alive—or me looking at my latest tax statement. The production works well on headphones, but turns a little muddy through speakers. Normally I wouldn’t make that distinction, but in this case it’s worth noting, especially if you want the full abrasive experience (and maybe to test your neighbor’s tolerance thresholds).
This isn’t an album that invites casual listening. Most of the songs are on the longer side and rarely offer anything resembling relief or space to breathe. That’s part of the appeal, sure, but it also means your attention can wander if you’re not in the right headspace. Some shorter tracks or a bit more variation in pacing could’ve helped the flow, but it’s clear Fermento isn’t interested in comfort. This is old-school extremity through and through—relentless, unyielding, and borderline masochistic.
Fermento offers something for those who like their metal raw, ugly, and emotionally draining. It may not have clicked with me as hard as it might with others on the team (Ixone, I’m looking at you), but I still found value in the sheer intensity and commitment behind it. This is the sound of a band that’s stuck to its guns while allowing just enough evolution to keep things interesting. Acts of Blood is not for the faint of heart—but if you’re in the mood to be dragged through a sonic pit of despair, it’s waiting for you.
Label: Independent
Release date: 18 July, 2025
Website: https://fermento.bandcamp.com/album/acts-of-blood-2
Country: Spain
Score: 3.3/5.0 meh I don’t like scoring albums like this
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