LORD GRYPHUS “Summoning the King of Death”

Nespithe Records, September 25, 2026

Genre: Death Metal
Website: facebook.com/lordgryphus
Duration: 25:31
Country: U.S.A.
Cool Songs: “Banished Leper,” “Bloodpath Dominion,” “Summoning the King of Death”

LORD GRYPHUS’s debut album, “Summoning the King of Death” is shrouded in mystery. The Austin, Texas-based three-piece wear masks while on stage and have not released their identities. Their identity and concept is devoted to the carrion deity, Lord Gryphus, inspired by the Latin “Vultur gryphus,” the Andean condor—a symbol of death, transcendence and spiritual power.

While conceptually tied to the Andean condor, musically the band is inspired by old school Death Metal. The first band that comes to mind, instrumentally and vocally, is CANNIBAL CORPSE, specifically the Fisher era. Some of their slower parts recall bands like MORGOTH, GRAVE and BOLT THROWER. The group appears to have Latin America ties as shown in their concept as well as the album’s intro. The intro contains Latin-inspired guitar, placing the listener in the primal Andes mountains. As a good intro often does, there is a dichotomy of speed when the first song, “The Grand Spectacle,” kicks in. While the drumbeats aren’t exactly hyper blasted, still they hit fast. One thing that really sticks out is how upfront the bass is. This becomes noticeable during more speed bursts on the following track “Banished Leper.” Other places one will find chugging, palm-muted grooves and slower, not quite doomy parts. Slower parts like the start of “Bloodpath Dominion” are reminiscent of bands like GRAVE and MORGOTH. Also, there are moments of slam grooves, a technique quite familiar in the flourishing Texas Death Metal scene.

“Summoning the King of Death” is not only the title track, it pieces together the concept devoted to the Andean condor. The track pays homage to the largest vulture in the world, a bird whose wingspan can reach a staggering 10.5 feet. This track not only pays homage to the Andean condor, but it also worships the scavenger. The group ends the album in South America with a cover of SEPULTURA’s “Troops of Doom.” Their rendition does justice to the original but also puts their own stylistic stamp on the Death Metal classic. This cover is the perfect way to end the album considering their penchant for old school Death Metal. With thicker production values, one could say the group even tops the original.

One may be tempted to skip to the end of the album to hear their take on the classic song, but each song is good enough to entice its listener to not rush to the end. Each song, starting with the intro, will keep listeners’ attention. Also, the album only clocks in at twenty-five minutes. The album’s brief duration is the only negative thing I can say about the album. Every track features a variety of catchy riffs and bruising percussion. While the group’s music doesn’t reinvent the wheel, they certainly do it well and feature an original concept.

Tracklist:
01. Intro
02. The Grand Spectacle
03. Banished Leper
04. Bloodpath Dominion
05. Sharpening the Guillotine
06. Unholy Mace
07. Summoning the King of Death
08. Troops of Doom (SEPULTURA Cover)

Line-up:
Unknown

Rate: 8/10