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David Vincent<\/strong>. Evil D<\/strong>. The man is larger than life and a legend in the world of death metal and extremity. Still currently active and touring with I Am Morbid<\/a><\/strong> (his version of Morbid Angel<\/a><\/strong>), Evil D<\/strong> has blessed us again with the fruits of one of his more recent ventures, Vltimas<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n You might remember the debut record from Vltimas<\/a><\/strong>, just a few short years ago. Something Wicked Marches In<\/em> was a more than appropriate name for a record that really broke new ground by perfectly bridging and blending death metal and black metal with a novel, updated sound. A project that also involves legendary black metal guitarist Rune Eriksen<\/strong> aka Blasphemer<\/strong> (Mayhem<\/a><\/strong>, Nader Sadek<\/a><\/strong>, Aura Noir<\/a><\/strong>) and Cryptopsy<\/a><\/strong> drummer Flo Mounier<\/strong> (who also played in Nader Sadek<\/a><\/strong>), Vltimas<\/a><\/strong> marches in again with Epic<\/em>. <\/p>\n While the sonics of the band haven’t changed all that much with this new record, the band does take on a more avant-garde approach to material and lyrics. Vincent<\/strong> gets a bit more creative and distinctive with vocals on this record, reticent of some of his work with Morbid Angel<\/a><\/strong> circa 2011 and the Illud Divinum Insanus<\/em> record. This is especially apparent on tracks like “Mephisto Manifesto,” which is far removed from any type of vocal one might find in either the black or death metal genres.<\/p>\n The pacing of Epic<\/em> is a touch slower than their debut record. The speed of a cut like “Praevalidus,” or “Total Destroy,” for example, both scorchers on Something Wicked<\/em> is not quite as prevalent on the sophomore effort. Though burners like “Scorcher” will satisfy those looking for a hefty dose of speed. <\/p>\n \n