Old Man’s Child – In Defiance of Existence – Review

Old Man’s Child

In Defiance of Existence (Century Media)
by Scott Hefflon

Old Man’s Child have always been a creative force in death/black/ extreme metal, but “the band” has always been kind of a side project to the revolving members… Singer/guitarist Galder did time in fellow Norwegian black lords Dimmu Borgir, and this release’s skin-beater is Nicholas Barker, currently in Dimmu, formerly of Cradle of Filth. Strapping Young Lad drummer Gene Hoglan kicked the beats a couple records ago, and Tomas Skogsburg produced one of their previous releases. So you get the perspective, right?

Total top-notch brutality, blastbeats, and flutter-picking, punctuated by “scary symphonics” and delicate piano segues. Not as diverse as Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, or Borknagar, but purists probably prefer it straight and bloody. Dani Filth and Vintersorg have more versatile voices, but OMC’s musical range will appeal to black thrash and death metal fans, as long as they can handle the keyboards. A pummeling record that’s already gotten me a speeding ticket.
(2323 W. El Segundo Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90250)