NAMTARU - Cult Of Ancient Deities CD +OBI

Named after the ancient Mesopotamian god of death, NAMTARU from Trento, Trentino-South Tyrol, Italy, delivers a style of death metal steeped in Scandinavian black metal lore, mixed with a Middle Eastern/Sumerian vibe.

NAMTARU was formed in 2017 as a spin-off of Mistigma, (which also boasts founding member and guitarist Alessio Faccoli). Joined by drummer Marco Scarperi, vocalist/guitarist Kelvin Rexha and bassist Robert Kolodziejczyk, NAMTARU have slowly-but-steadily established the band's menacing sonority over the past eight years.

After releasing three band room rehearsal type quality demos (pre-production tracks and raw mixes of studio outtakes), NAMTARU finally unleashes its highly anticipated debut full-length album, "Cult of Ancient Deities," through Awakening Records.

On its nine commanding tracks (including two dynamic instrumentals), the band dutifully combines monolithic and mesmerizing melodies, maniacal blast beats, menacing riffs and diabolical-yet-decipherable guttural bellows.

From the ominous instrumental album opener "Cult of Ancient Deities," to the H.P. Lovecraft-inspired "Great Old Ones" and "Dagon," to the savagery of "Insane Litanies" and album closer "Call from the Depths," "Cult of Ancient Deities" delivers heaps of melodious brutality. — Kelley Simms