Album Review: Dementia And Filth by Bastard (2011)
Bastard’s Dementia And Filth is a raw, unapologetic dive into the grimy depths of death metal. Released in 2011 and self-released under Not On Label with support from Casket Music, this record doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead slams it straight into your face. With roots in Iceland and the UK, Bastard brings a transatlantic heaviness that feels both chaotic and calculated. The album blends punishing riffs, guttural vocals, and an atmosphere so thick you could cut it with a chainsaw.
The tracklist reads like a checklist for sonic brutality, but two songs stand out as unforgettable crushers: “Engraved Upon the Monolith” and “Storming Corporeal Temples.”
“Engraved Upon the Monolith” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s got this menacing groove that crawls under your skin, refusing to leave even after multiple listens. The riffage is relentless, almost hypnotic, and when the blast beats kick in, it’s like being caught in a storm of pure chaos. You don’t just hear this track—you feel it. It’s one of those songs where every note seems carved into stone, perfectly capturing the band’s bleak vision.
Then there’s “Storming Corporeal Temples,” which might as well be renamed “How to Ruin Your Neighbors’ Day.” This tune takes no prisoners, delivering a masterclass in aggression. The drumming pounds like war drums summoning an army of the damned, while the vocals sound like they were recorded in the depths of some ancient crypt. What sticks with me most is how the song shifts gears midway—throwing in a slower, doom-laden section before ramping back up to full throttle. It’s unpredictable, nasty, and utterly satisfying.
One quirky thing about Dementia And Filth? There are a few repeated tracks with slightly altered titles or spellings—like “InsignifiCUNT” vs. “Insignificunt.” Is this intentional? A weird oversight? Either way, it adds a layer of DIY charm to the whole package. It’s not polished, but honestly, that’s part of its appeal.
Reflecting on this album, I’m reminded of why death metal still holds such a cult following. Bands like Bastard don’t care about trends or mainstream acceptance—they’re here to create something visceral, something real. Listening to Dementia And Filth, you can practically smell the sweat, smoke, and grime of a dimly lit basement show.
Unexpected takeaway? If you ever find yourself lost in Iceland or the UK, crank this album loud enough, and maybe Bastard will appear out of nowhere to guide you home—or at least give you a killer soundtrack for your existential crisis.
