Dark Crucifix was an extremely talented death/thrash outfit from Cochin who recorded this short but brutal 3-song demo last year. The duo {yes!!} responsible for all the mayhem were Samir doing the gruffy growls and guitars, Jayesh belting out the blast beats providing you the glorious opportunities to break your neck. The band draws its influences from bands such as Celtic Frost, Death and Slayer. This short demo came into my possession only a few days ago and really blew me away and they could’ve matched any extreme band from B’lore or Mumbai {where it seems the entire nation’s rock/metal circuit is based!}. The first track "The Long Awaited Disaster" really proves their caliber with excellent riffing and some awesome double bass pounding which gets you into some violent headbanging. Their vocalist reminded me of Max Cavalera in his early days on Morbid Visions. Samir is a truly a beast with his vocals. The band has got a superlative mix too that the lack of a bassist on this demo is hardly ever noticed. But things are just getting started as the next one "In The Dreams Of The Dead" invites some brain and neck damage. The subtle tempo changes and excellent song structure add to your ecstasy. The vocalist really leaves an indelible mark on you with his brutal chanting, "Die, Die, Die"!! The last song "When Darkness Descends" is by far the best song and is the final bout of headbanging before your neck snaps. A galloping rhythm, groovy yet insane drumming and garbled growls create a truly mayhemic moshing atmosphere. An excellent and furiously fast solo by Samir compliments the band’s technical abilities. This demo is one of the rare Indian demos, which you fall in love with in the first listen. The band could’ve whipped many international bands had they got some good exposure. But unfortunately [and amazingly too, without playing a single gig] this talented duo broke up with Samir pursuing higher education in US. Jayesh, double bass mutilator felt the need to destroy more kits so joined B’lore’s black metallers Arcane Ritual. The band was also marred by the fact that being based in Cochin they didn’t have audiences who appreciated their style. If they were in B’lore they’d be amongst the forerunners of the Metal revolution happening there. A truly great demo for extreme music lovers! Anyone interested in getting a copy burnt of the CD or a recording of this explosive demo mail Nikhil at mystic_musing@yahoo.com, Jayesh at emblazonedbelial@hotmail.com, Samir at samirjohn@hotmail.com or me at psychoray@ironmaiden.com. UP THE IRONS!