Demonic-Eyed - V (2024)
By Flork
The first thing that hits you when listening to Demonic-Eyed is the intensity of sound. Like, you know right away that this is an “in-your-face” kind of band that is confrontational on all fronts.
Their latest release Demonic-Eyed V is a thrash-infused hardcore album that refuses to pull punches, instead, tackling both personal and societal issues with a blistering ferocity. And like their previous releases, they continue to blend heavy, crunching guitar riffs with an unyielding rhythm section, all the while diving into topics ranging from animal rights and social justice to mythology and existential dread.
If you haven’t listened to any of their previous stuff, you can probably guess that their sound leans more to the aggressive side, but Demonic-Eyed V shows a more polished, yet still unapologetically raw production compared to their previous efforts. The tracks alternate between chaotic bursts of energy and more controlled, rhythmic sections that allow the songs to breathe before unleashing again.
Tracks like Nostromo and Samotar stand out with their fast-paced guitar work and thundering drums. In particular, Nostromo, which kicks off the album strikes with a dynamic, aggressive tone, immediately setting the stage for the auditory assault to come. I have to note that the production strikes a balance between clarity and grit, ensuring that no instrument gets lost in the intensity, but still retaining the rough-edged aesthetic that fans of the genre crave.
But what I particularly like about this album are the captivating aspects of how it tackles both socially-conscious themes and introspective explorations. Songs like Ked ticho zabija (When Silence Kills) and Believe Me speak about deeper emotions and struggles, offering commentary on isolation and mental resilience. These tracks feel personal, with the band channeling frustration and emotion into every scream and riff.
Yet, Demonic-Eyed doesn’t limit themselves to introspection. On tracks like The Greed and The Foodgasm, they make sharp critiques of consumerism and overindulgence, themes that are sure to resonate with fans who appreciate music with a message. The band’s commitment to social causes, including animal rights, shines through in their abrasive, yet meaningful lyrics, even when sung predominantly in Slovak. This linguistic choice gives the album a distinctly local edge, while their messages remain universal. And still, there are tunes on the album that are just fun and meant that way. My favourites are Najeb ako ziadny iny (Get fucked-up like nothing else) and Plumbum. These are songs that keep the pulse fast and the energy buzzing.
And the Florkman’s prognosis? Demonic-Eyed delivers a well-rounded, thought-provoking album with Demonic-Eyed V. Their ability to blend aggressive thrash and hardcore elements with meaningful, socially-aware lyrics sets them apart in the metal and punk scenes. And yet they don’t stray far at all from the genre, in fact, they only sharpen their sound and message with this album. Demonic-Eyed definitely has a place as one of Slovakia’s most exciting underground acts, proving that they can still deliver brutal, honest, and thought-provoking music with every release. I’m really excited about the upcoming release.
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