Album Review: Gatecreeper – Dark Superstition

Spearheading the new wave of American Death Metal – Gatecreeper return with their third album Dark Superstition

Opener Dead Star clearly demonstrates and elevation in sound from the Arizona assaulters, laden with heavy bass parts and swirling solos matched with purposeful drums patterns and dominating vocals this definitely stands out as a message of intent.

Oblivion is maniacal in its delivery before the album gets spun on its head with its darker, gothic undertones on The Black Curtain whichembodies the album’s theme with a tale of divination. “It’s about being trapped between living and dying,” Mason says. “A soul trapped in purgatory begging to be brought back by a supernatural force.”

. Masterpiece Of Chaos is a slow brooding number flooded with OSDM soundscapes, which is followed by my highlight track of the album Superstition Vision which sees the band channelling Paradise Lost’s Icon/ Draconian times era.

Moving onto full on annihilation mode Gatecreeper deliver A Chilling Aura whilst Caught In The Threads Showcases the grander element of the band and I can see this being a particular favourite on the festival circuit.

Casting their net further afield Flesh Habit has a subtle undertone of foreboding, and the structure of the track in particular has a clear refinement which is paired with the Swedish influenced Mistaken For Dead.

Dark Superstition concludes with Tears Fall From The Sky incorporating some well-placed doomier elements with a slower more purposeful presentation and it is clear that signing to a big label has not put the band off their stride if anything they have demonstrated with this offering that clearly, they are getting better at what they do.

To help perfect their game this round, Gatecreeperjoined forces with drummer / songwriter Fred Estby of Swedish death metal titans Dismember, whose influences can be heard throughout the album. Dark Superstition was recorded at God City Studios in Salem, MA with Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou, who also mixed the album.

“Many of the songs incorporate supernatural ideas with my own experiences,” Mason says. “But the title itself is a reference to the Superstition Mountains in our home state of Arizona. It’s a beautiful mountain range surrounded by tragedy and legends of hidden fortune.

“Dark Superstition” Track listing.

1. Dead Star
2. Oblivion
3. The Black Curtain
4. Masterpiece Of Chaos
5. Superstitious Vision
6. A Chilling Aura
7. Caught In The Threads
8. Flesh Habit
9. Mistaken For Dead
10. Tears Fall From The Sky

Line-up:
Chase H. Mason – Vocals
Eric Wagner – Guitar
Matt Arrebollo – Drums
Israel Garza – Guitar
Alex Brown – Bass

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