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Memento Mori (1990)
Lewiatan was a short-lived death/thrash band from Poland. Their 1990 demo, Memento Mori, is a hellish recording of pure and utter chaos. The vocals are hateful and evil, with the use of their native language adding a level of conviction that amplifies the dark atmosphere. The music is built on raw, primitive riffs and fierce execution, with a sharp intensity that cuts through the rough production. These guys were filled with energy, sounding like they were ready to explode at any moment.
That said, the songs aren’t just random collections of disconnected ideas. They still had a sense of songwriting rooted in their '80s influences, and though occasionally sloppy, they clearly knew their instruments well enough. The faster, more intense parts really shine, bringing out the band’s raw power, while the mid-paced tracks lose some of that momentum, feeling less gripping. Lewiatan were definitely at their most effective when blasting away with total ferocity. Highlights like "Upadek," "Syberiada," and "Święto zmarłych" best capture the band's intensity, delivering an unforgettable blast of chaotic death/thrash.
That said, the songs aren’t just random collections of disconnected ideas. They still had a sense of songwriting rooted in their '80s influences, and though occasionally sloppy, they clearly knew their instruments well enough. The faster, more intense parts really shine, bringing out the band’s raw power, while the mid-paced tracks lose some of that momentum, feeling less gripping. Lewiatan were definitely at their most effective when blasting away with total ferocity. Highlights like "Upadek," "Syberiada," and "Święto zmarłych" best capture the band's intensity, delivering an unforgettable blast of chaotic death/thrash.
(2 May 2025)
C'est la vie (1991)
In 1991, Lewiatan changed their name to Leviathan and recorded their third demo, C’est la vie. To mark the shift, they used English lyrics for the first time. However, musically, things remained much the same as this is another violent dose of raw death/thrash. The songwriting is primitive and intense, with a focus on speed and an overall vicious feeling. At times, it sounds like they’re channeling the spirit of early Sepultura, Mutilator and Attomica. It’s a short demo, but along with Memento Mori, it shows that these guys had real potential. It’s too bad they never managed to record a full-length. Still, what they left behind is solid and definitely worth checking out if you're into late ’80s death/thrash.
(31 May 2025)
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