A Blast Beat Bonanza 

Arizona death metal group Gatecreeper released their third full-length album. A front runner in the new wave of American death metal, Dark Superstition is their first release under new label Nuclear Blast. 

Signing with Nuclear Blast could be considered somewhat of a foreshadowing for Dark Superstition due to the absolute destruction it will cause listener’s speakers. A blast beat bonanza from start to finish, raw metal drumming, crushing riffs and a fair share of shouting will put eardrums to the test, in a good way. 

Eating with our eyes first, from the cover art we can make preconceptions that Gatecreeper have produced another mystically metal masterpiece. With lightning strikes, skulls and spiders the Dark Superstition album artwork emits a familiar feel of dread we easily relate to with the metal genre. 

Similar to that of Iron Maiden, Dark Superstition track titles can also be found on the cover. While listening to the album, fans can match the images to the track titles simultaneously. Talk about a unique selling point. What fun for all!

“Dead Star” kicks off the album with controlled chaos. The combination of guitar pair Eric Wagner and Israel Garza alongside drummer Matt Arrebollo creates a tight number. Melodic from the get-go, the early stages of the album reveal that Gatecreeper has musically matured.   

Crash cymbal into track two “Oblivion,” rapid double-pedal drumming accompanied by hand cramping guitar riffs is a blast from their past. Chase Mason’s tough vocals are a standout factor as he remains composed directing listeners through “Oblivion.” 

A common thread throughout Dark Superstition is the effortless transitions from verse to chorus. Most notably during “Flesh Habit,” Mason’s lyrics act as an open palm calmly leading listeners through the duration. This illustrates such an impressive trait of their musical ability considering the ferocious nature of the genre. 

Unquestionably every metal album must include one track of complete face-melting material. Track nine “Mistaken For Dead” is exactly that. A Joey Jordinson drumming style of hitting all toms as fast as humanly possible guarantees head bops. If not, Wagner’s guitar solo will get bodies moving.  

For sure, it’ll be a fun one to see live. Banger. 

Closing out the album we have “Tears Fall From The Sky.” Each band member slows their tempo down for a much-needed breather during this track. This number will gift fans a chance to grab some air at live shows before another inevitable circle pit.

Nasty rips are what the metal fans want, and it’s what Dark Superstition gives. Without a doubt, we all expected this atmospheric metal sound but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

It’s important to recognise that Gatecreeper has progressed into a well-oiled metal machine. With over 10 years in the industry, they have formed unbreakable chemistry together and it shows. 

As a result, we have another classic death metal album in the books.

Their most pivotal sound yet, Dark Superstition.