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Release date: July 10, 2026
Label: Refining Darkness Records
Genre(s): Death metal
Advent of Suffering is the crushing debut full-length from Houston’s Haserot, a riff-driven death metal assault rooted firmly in 1990s traditions yet sharpened with modern precision. Released July 10, 2026 on Redefining Darkness Records, the album channels the murky ferocity of Entombed, Dismember, Morbid Angel, Carcass, and Bloodbath while weaving in melodic leads and blackened edges reminiscent of At the Gates and Dissection.
Mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö, the production delivers clarity and power without sacrificing grit: trebly, buzzsaw guitars cut through cavernous low-end, Justin McKittrick’s gruff, Jeff Walker-esque growls spit venom, and Cryptos Grimm’s drums provide relentless propulsion. Maurice Eggenschwiler’s fluid leads and Brandon Johnson’s crushing rhythms lock into memorable structures that balance blistering speed with mid-tempo grooves and sinister atmosphere.
The title track opens with haunting menace and muscular pummelling, setting a high bar. “Poverty of Thought” grinds with Carcass-like intensity before settling into headbanging stomp, while “Apophis” rages with sharp riffs and black-metal-tinged aggression. “Tears in Bethlehem” benefits from Marc Grewe’s guest vocals, crawling into darker, mid-paced territory. The brief acoustic interlude “Cruentis Omega” provides a well-placed respite before the second half surges forward with standouts like “Khlyst,” the peak-energy “Madness and the Void,” and the closing “Curse of Haserot,” elevated by guest solos from James Murphy and Andy LaRocque that duel into pure bliss.
At roughly 39 minutes across ten tracks, the album maintains focus and variety without overstaying its welcome. While a few passages can feel more functional than unforgettable, the overall package—songwriting, atmosphere, musicianship, and those legendary guest spots—makes for a strong, infectious statement. Haserot prove themselves one of Houston’s most promising death metal acts, delivering old-school brutality with contemporary conviction that should satisfy fans of classic extremity. A solid, highly recommendable debut that leaves the door open for even greater things ahead.
Haserot: Bandcamp | Instagram
Redefining Darkness Records Bandcamp | Instagram | Website
