Blood Monolith - The Calling of Fire (2025)

Blood Monolith's debut album, The Calling of Fire, released in May 2025 via Profound Lore Records, delivers a relentless fusion of death metal and grindcore. Formed in 2023 by Shelby Lermo (formerly of Vastum, currently in Ulthar and Nails), the band includes members from Genocide Pact, Undeath, and Deliriant Nerve, bringing together a wealth of experience from the extreme metal scene.

Critics have praised the album's ferocity and technical proficiency. Last Rites highlights its "relentless ferocity" and notes that it "brings early Deicide to mind," while also drawing comparisons to classic Swedish death metal . Mystification Zine describes the album as "dense with primal subterfuge," emphasizing its blend of classic death metal and grindcore elements.

The album's production, handled by Lermo and Matt Michel, with mastering by Adam Tucker, has been commended for its clarity and power. Wonderbox Metal notes that the production "allows everything to sound like it's made out of granite," enhancing the album's brutal impact.

While the album is primarily characterized by its aggressive and unrelenting sound, it also incorporates moments of groove and melody. Metal Epidemic points out that tracks like "The Owl in Daylight" showcase the band's ability to "slip rhythm-heavy sections that add weight to the tumult of turbocharged riffs".

Overall, The Calling of Fire stands as a formidable entry into the death metal genre, combining the raw intensity of grindcore with the technical prowess of seasoned musicians. Its concise runtime and focused aggression make it a compelling listen for fans of extreme metal.