Album Review – Confessio Diaboli by Epidemy
With Confessio Diaboli, Prague’s long-running thrash force Epidemy
celebrate 20 years of existence by delivering a short but fiercely effective
punch of modern power-thrash. Across its 25 minutes, the album fuses old-school
influences with a sharp contemporary production, offering memorable riffs,
strong rhythmic execution, and the band’s unmistakable Czech-language bite.
1.
Confessio Diaboli (2:34)
The album
begins with a clean, dark, atmospheric intro that immediately recalls Slayer’s
more occult-tinged openings. A brief melodic line appears, followed by slow,
tense guitar riffs and rolling drums that build anticipation without ever
exploding into a full assault. Instead, Epidemy use this introductory track as
a scene-setter: ominous, brooding, and perfectly placed to pull the listener
into their world.
2. V
Řetězech (3:12)
The first
true eruption comes with V Řetězech. A thunderous drum roll kicks the
door open, launching a wave of tight, groovy thrash. The riffs hit hard, the
pacing is energetic, and Pavel Tarant’s sharp, abrasive vocals—delivered
entirely in Czech—fit the music like a glove. A short, dissonant solo injects
just the right amount of chaos, reinforcing the track’s aggressive character.
3. Bez
Soucitu (4:26)
Bez
Soucitu begins with
a heavy, punchy riff that channels pure Slayer energy. The drums follow the
guitar lines with commanding snare punches and intermittent double-bass bursts.
Once the vocals enter, the track settles into a confident late-90s thrash
atmosphere, enhanced by subtle melodic touches. A small clean passage late in
the track creates contrast before the final surge of power brings everything
back to full force.
4. Stíny
(3:31)
Sitting at
the album’s midpoint, Stíny (“Shadows”) brings a slower, crushing
heaviness that contradicts its title. The main riff is thick, deliberate, and
razor-sharp, with well-placed pinch harmonics adding bite. The song doesn’t
shift tempo, but it doesn’t need to—its strength lies in the unwavering weight
of its central theme. A Slayer-like break reinforces the dark atmosphere while
maintaining cohesion.
5.
Poslední Soud (4:17)
The album’s
standout track—and the one chosen for a music video—Poslední Soud shows
exactly why Epidemy’s formula works. It opens heavy, guided by a gritty vocal
delivery, before moving into a melodic pre-chorus and a soaring chorus that
reveals the band’s more expressive side. The melodic break mid-song is catchy
and uplifting, followed by a tight guitar solo that leads seamlessly back into
the massive, memorable chorus.
6.
Portál (3:32)
Portál keeps the momentum high with a
heavy intro and drums that lock tightly into the rhythm. The track then shifts
into pure thrash territory, complete with skank beats and razor riffs. Fast,
efficient, and direct, it showcases Epidemy’s ability to blend groove and speed
without losing clarity.
7.
Podepsáno Krví (3:39)
The finale, Podepsáno Krví, introduces a broken, syncopated rhythm that immediately sets it apart from the previous songs. It’s a refreshing change of pace, offering a different flavor while still closing the album with strength. Melodic accents, tight riffs, and a more dynamic structure make it a perfect closing chapter.
Confessio Diaboli is a powerful, concise, and highly enjoyable release.
Epidemy succeed in blending classic thrash influences with accessible melodies
and modern production. For a 20th-anniversary album, this is an excellent
statement of identity—and a great discovery for anyone craving tight,
well-crafted Czech thrash.
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