Metalcatto
It’s been a while since we’ve had something more Thrash Metal. You know, an album mostly focused on speed that feels like a knife fight. Temple of Dread is bringing us somewhere well-balanced Death and Thrash that should make you feel like the tectonic wave is back and well—not just Kreator. Anyway, Deadspawn Dominion has a cool name, but is it cool Metal? Stay put, and maybe you’ll find out.
Deadspawn Dominion is a mix of styles. At times it has that old school Thrasy Sodom energy, Death vocals, and production that, though it’s not perfectly rancid and kvlt, does have that old school touch. In general, the album is just tracking to pack decadent riff after decadent riff, and I don’t mean that in a cruel way. These guys can make tracks that sound raw and harsh with proper musical skills, not just production tricks. The guitars cut through the mix, the drums have a natural punch, and the whole thing feels like it was recorded in a room where people actually play together.
Even though the album has some occult vibes, the overall Brutal Death Metal sound is dominant here. Those of you who love simple things shouldn’t panic, because Deadspawn Dominion is loyal to the primal sound and directness some of you have grown to love. However, if you’re expecting your brutality to be ultra-complicated, that’s not what you’re going to find here. Aggression is what prevails. The riffs are straightforward, the tempos are relentless, and the whole experience is designed to hit you in the face repeatedly.
In terms of just ruthless bashing, the album is pretty okay. However, I’m left wanting more variety and more risk. The formula is clear, and though engaging, I’m left wanting more memorable moments. Maybe a few wilder guitar solos would have helped. I don’t know. I’m just here to whine, not to make songwriting decisions. But you know what you’re getting now. The album doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not, and that honesty is both its strength and its limitation. It does one thing and does it well, but it never tries to do anything beyond that.
I’m not let down, and I’m not super surprised. Deadspawn Dominion is exactly what I expected: intense, relentless, and a bit old school. It’s consistent, as you’d also expect. Sure, I’m always looking to be surprised, but it’s okay to eat toast with butter for breakfast here and there. Even if it’s the most normal thing ever, it’s good to take the hunger away. Same with this album. It won’t change your life, but it’ll scratch an itch. Sometimes that’s all you need from a Thrash record. So if you’re in the mood for something dependable that doesn’t overcomplicate things, Temple of Dread has you covered. No frills, no filler, just fists in the air and boots on the floor.
Label: Testimony Records
Release date: 7th August, 2026
Website: https://templeofdread.bandcamp.com/album/dreadspawn-dominion-2
Country: Germany
Score: 3.0/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 