Vol #199: Atomic Witch – “Death Etiquette”
Rustbelt Rock Review
By: Z.M. Delgado
Rustbeltrockreview.com
Volume #199: Atomic Witch – “Death Etiquette”
July 25th 2025
Redefining Darkness Records
Good day to you, my esteemed Heavy Metal aficionado. I, Z.M. Delgado, have returned to you yet again with fresh and exciting news. You see, I have used my devious nature to procure an advance copy of the latest Atomic Witch album, “Death Etiquette.” For those of you who are new to the band, let me break them down. They are a five man Death Thrash outfit from Cleveland, Ohio. They are known for their very intense aggressive style and brutally disturbing live shows. They have a delirious Guitar sound (Jesse and Jonah), intricate Drum work (Nick) and a powerful low end (David “Rolling Thunder”). Most often they stand out for their unique Vocal approach. They use a two man assault of contrasting styles. One man, Greg, utilizes a wood chipper snarl that terrifies the listener. The second, Jessie, employs a pallet of piercing falsetto notes that shock and delight fans. Combined the two voices provide a range that is far outside of what any of their contemporaries are attempting. This has led to the evolution of a very heavy yet utterly unique approach to Death Thrash. I wrestled the album off of the band about a month ago and I have been jamming it regularly ever since. This is the follow up album to 2022’s “Crypt of Sleepless Malice.” Packing in eight new tracks, and running just about 27 minutes in length, “Death Etiquette” is short and savage encounter. It arrives, it utterly brutalizes you and then it’s gone before you have time to catch your breath. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before we get into my overall impressions, we need to take a look at a few of my favorite songs from this devastating collection.
First, I want to discuss is “Morgue Rat.” This is the album’s opening number. It kicks off the record hard, and sets the tone for all that is to follow. Beginning with classic Thrashing chords and absolutely calamitous Drums, “Morgue Rat” plows into the listener like runaway truck. The Vocals begin with a shocking barrage of Jessie’s voice, followed quickly by Greg’s. The two play off of each other, going back and forth, creating an incredible vibe. Beneath this is a chugging riff that is guaranteed to break necks. Based on a true tale of necrophilia, this track is as disturbing as it is purely heavy.
Next I have to tell you about “Dream Rot.” This is my favorite song in the collection and with good reason. First you get this phenomenal and complex Drum intro by Nick. Something about it keeps you guessing. It confuses the ear and you don’t quite seem to know which way the song is gonna go. When the riff finally drops in it is a mind melting experience. With a dark psychedelic edge these notes are like an acid trip that is rapidly slipping out of control. The Vocalists provide a menacing sonic landscape, the two voices dancing and complimenting each other. Also there is a Death Metal breakdown in the middle of the song that hits really hard. Suffice to say, this song is a beast and it has teeth without question.
The third track I have to talk about is the impossibly heavy “Sabbath Breaker.” This song takes a shot at religion and it pulls no punches as it does. Impossibly heavy, it slams, it crushes… it breaks! It opens ripping fast and fatally hard. The riff is a mangler and the Drums completely pummel. The Vocals come in with a devilish message and a blasphemous intent. And then there is the breakdown, which seems to holds the weight of one thousand dying suns. Yes, it is just that heavy. The riffs bottom out and there is a disorienting lead lick that plays ominously. This song is a monster; Plain and simple. It easily ranks among my top tracks off this album.
The final song I want to discuss is “Death Edging (Come to the Light).” This is another killer composition. Discussing a horrific practice of sexualizing a near death experience, “Death Edging” is surely among the darkest of carnal pleasures. The song itself fades in with another twisted riff and builds anticipation leading to the eruption. When it breaks open it is fast, hard and gritty. It’s an all out sonic onslaught that punishes the listener with a blend of a pounding tempos, excellent Guitar work and more of that two man Vocal abuse. There is a rabid insanity beneath it all, as if there is something very wrong with this music. I have described it like having an itch in the center of your skull that you can never scratch. It is that subtle layer of insanity that makes me choose “Death Edging” as another stand out track.
So in the end, what do I think about “Death Etiquette?” Well I have to tell you, no album thus far in 2025 has been so anticipated by me. Without a doubt this record had a lot of expectations heaped upon it. After the unmitigated triumph that was “Crypt of Sleepless Malice,” I wondered how Atomic Witch would fair trying to create a follow up. Well, they have answered that question in no uncertain terms. What Atomic Witch has managed to do is create a follow up that actually stands up to the legendary predecessor. The sound has grown and evolved, becoming more streamlined and deliberate. Yet, while changing, they have stayed true to themselves. They still shock listeners with their Vocal attack. They still use strange and mind melting riffs that leave listeners sea sick. They still deal in the darkest of subject matters... and they remain uncompromisingly heavy. Atomic Witch is a true Frankenstein’s monster of a band. Sewn together pieces of other sounds. Fragments of styles stitched to fit into something new and horrifying. A creature reanimated and set loose upon an unsuspecting world. Well that monster is back and with it it is bringing eight new songs of unmitigated power and unspeakable horror. In short I do proclaim Atomic Witch’s “Death Etiquette” a certified Thrashterpiece and a must listen album for your summer 2025. If you enjoyed “Crypt of Sleepless Malice” then you absolutely have to pick up “Death Etiquette!” And if you are among those who have yet to experience Atomic Witch and their spooktacular sound, I highly encourage you to check them out right away. “Death Etiquette” is available July 25th, on CD, Vinyl and all your favorite streaming services.
Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,
-Z.M. Delgado
Rustbelt Rock Review
Rustbeltrockreview.com
7/19/2025
Links:
Voice of the Underground
