Houwitser
Damage Assessment

Houwitser is the name of an old cannon.
Houwitser is also the name of a group of Dutch guys who surpass the fateful third album and reach the fourth gem. The band consists of some members of Sinister (a group that has literally gone to the dogs with the last two albums).

Let me start by saying that Damage Assessment is truly a great CD that no lover of brutal sounds should miss. The production has greatly improved compared to the previous "Rage Inside The Womb" and with the departure of the second guitarist, the compositions of the songs are a bit less intricate but still direct and never trivial.

The four present an artwork that's a bit unsettling due to the recent wave of wars in these years as they appear dressed in uniforms and belts filled with bullets. Moreover, it’s impossible not to notice the photos of the singer during live sessions wearing a balaclava. In addition to the lyrics that often have references to war, the icing on the cake is the cover featuring a lavish cannon.

But aside from talking about these minor details, let's discuss the album.
The opening comes immediately powerful and well-calibrated with "Liquidate The Venomous." Other truly brutal songs are "Paradise To Purgatory," "Clean Till The Bone," or how can we not mention what I think is the absolute highlight of the album "Skineater."

This CD is truly enjoyable throughout without any bland or tiring moments. What strikes me the most is that this is not a very aggressive album in terms of speed or heaviness forced into the compositions. In fact, the CD almost never stays on truly brutal rhythms even if some grind outbursts are present here and there.
What really impresses me is that from the moment you start listening, it truly feels like entering a war. The album opens with gunshots and cannon blasts, which are also present at the start and end of each subsequent song. It feels like you're facing a wild landscape interrupted each time by the destructive entrance of this group.

A band capable of immersing you in their musical vision. We can't call it a masterpiece, but they certainly deserve a solid 8.