- Jason Hesley
Coffin Rites to release "Human Erase"
From the incendiary shred of opener “Buried in Blood,” Human Erase boasts frantic and frenzied energy. Even slower-paced tracks that rely more on ominous mood-building (“Cryogenic Awakening”) erupt with bursts of hellfire. The melodic riff-work of “Heart of Darkness” lures listeners into one of the album’s fastest blasts. Human Erase is rife with intriguing tone shifts; “The Night Speaks” could be an acoustic interlude on a classic Tiamat record. “Last Nail in the Coffin” relishes its death ‘n’ roll groove. The closing title track is the most diverse, blending hardcore and post-punk influences to the band’s scorched foundation. The recording and mixing by guitarist Will Maravelas gives the album a cutting sound that differentiates the snarls and growls from vocalist Drew Blood and gives the bass room to breathe. The legendary Dan Swanö mastered the record, sharpening each serrated note. This record is black/death for purists and hardcore kids alike. It has mood, menace, and a barrage of riffs like a doomsday air strike.