10th March, 2024
Famine
'Annihilate These Lambs'
Diving headfirst into the depths of the underground metal scene, we have some new wave of old school death metal that's been forged in the fiery pits of the late '80s / early '90s death metal movement. This is a crushing one-man project from Italy that resurrects that raw, unpolished death metal sound we've all been craving. Meet Famine, the brainchild of Matteo Cavaggion, and his debut EP/demo, "Annihilate These Lambs." Prepare for a throwback that's as nostalgic as it is fresh, a true nod to the golden era of death metal.
Right out of the gate, 'Whore Planter' smashes through with its thrash-infused riffs and tapping guitar leads, setting a tone that's both aggressive and intriguing with quality chugging riffs that keep you interested. Production is as you expected, raw and filthy and the artwork is class - very fitting to the material and lyrical content.
Have a listen to the EP demo below while you read ->
The vocals, a mix of low gutturals and 'petrified' type highs, bring a unique edge that, while might test some, adds to the raw, unfiltered experience Famine aims to deliver. 'Purified' follows, showcasing a technical prowess that hints at Matteo's versatility and potential, despite the vocals occasionally hitting a rough patch. The vocals are definitely something that should be improved upon over time. 
However, it's the title track 'Annihilate These Lambs' that truly captures the essence of this demo, when it lures you in with its distorted guitar picked intro and tremolo leads reminiscent of Death and Morbid Angel and captures many high points within the title track but the standout track for me comes with 'Segregated', a track that combines ferocious death metal riffs with a hauntingly beautiful blackened symphonic piano intro. Following closely is 'Dogman', another highlight of a track that captivates with its melodic guitar work and tight bass/drum synergy. It's clear there's a depth and complexity to Famine's music that promises even greater things to come.
Check 'em out on bandcamp ->
In wrapping up, "Annihilate These Lambs" serves as a beacon for those of us love discovering raw, unpolished gems within the underground metal scene. Matteo Cavaggion's Famine is a testament to the enduring appeal of old-school death metal, infused with a spirit of innovation and experimentation. As we eagerly await what's next, let's celebrate the revival of that gritty, authentic sound that first drew us into the depths of the metal underworld. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for Famine, folks—this is just the beginning of a thrilling, headbanging journey back in time, with a modern twist. This is something for the old school metalheads that loved to tape trade and find pleasure in the obscure filth of the underground scene. Keep an eye on this project folks!
