Anatomia PHL: Deiphago

 

  

SWITCH TO POLISH

Again, I feel like explaining my non-standard (how else) point of view. I feel like I'm going to make some more enemies with my insane logic.

Deiphago is an old band, which makes them automatically more interesting, as the old bands tried to be original, as the genres were still forming, and secondly, as Metal used to be a way of life, rather than a music genre. In contrast with the modern attitude, where youngsters are scared to leave their safe space / comfort zone, and try their hardest to be exactly like others, not to mention illiterate brains, rotten with tik-tok, which makes even the worst 90s band being simply superior.

Another thing - Deiphago is from Phillippines. Playing extreme music in such a distand land in 1991 is also a catch for me. Philippines in general might be the most Americanized country, to the point that their first alphabet (Baybayin) got abandoned for english language, just like Slavic people abandoned pagan runes for latin alphabet. Therefore, while Pinoys are poor, they started dabbling with Metal earlier than their neighbours. It's also why a nation influenced by anglo-saxon culture will have more chances to be more known abroad, like with South Korea, or Japan.

As a hat trick, let's add to the fact, being released by Hells Headbangers, which for me is synonymous with quality and underground cult. They never tainted themselves with anything subpar. That's why I'll always prefer to check them out, rather than something associated with mediocrity.

Of course, if I am being honest, I added them to my collection, as I liked their cover art, and due to low price. My pick for today's post is their third album, "Satan Alpha Omega" from 2012.

Deiphago is a band extremely difficult to understand, as they don't play traditional Death / Black. The term "War Metal" makes more sense, but it's still not it. Honestly, it can be compared to a total whirlwind of anti-riffs. To paraphrase my favorite vlogger Konopnicki, my first reaction was rather negative, as I considered it too edgy, too extreme to be called music. Nonetheless, it turned out that I just needed a little bit more time, before I understood the concept, the idea behind the band.

Unlike most Metal bands, Deiphago keeps the bass higher in the mix. Bass is set so high that it blocks out everything else, and is not played normally, but rather like a thunder, shaking the walls. Combined with the spastic, uneven drumming, shitting on the classic 3/4 tempo, with manic, unleashed barking vocals, and guitars, which are not even attempting to play any structure, but rather, to deafen the bass evem further, the final effect is just chilling, and makes the listener feel as if thrown straight into the nihilistic abyss. It's a consciously chosen path, that deserves to be called Avantgarde / Noise.

That does not mean that it's a mindless noise. Nope. With time, when I got better acquainted with the CD, I slowly started to differentiate the tracks, which along with the apocalyptic themes (Kali Yuga?), started to paint a picture of a concept album. And indeed, there are "songs" which serve the transitional function between the chapters, while other times we just receive an atypical bashing. The album ends with a 7-minute instrumental, which does feel like specfically crafted to bring some relief to the listener.

Ultimately, it begs the question - does such music makes sense? I'll answer it in this way - after listening to so many predictable albums in my life, Deiphago brought something fresh. Obviously, such style is a niche within a niche, but at least the band doesn't have to worry about copycats, especially that so far (2026) they only released 5 full-lengths, so it's not like they can be accused of being hacks and spamming their music. It also makes the material feel "more artistic", where it's more preferred to provide a unique experience, rather than just another bland boring Black / Death.

And when you look at it, isn't it the point of Metal? To disturb the listener? Just like growling vocals or satanic imaginery before, here the idea of eliminating any melody, and delivering a homage to pure chaos, provokes a discussion. I realize that for majority of you, this will be a worthless shite (because why bother thinking outside of the box?). But for me, it's a refreshing example of creativity in a world devoid of emotions and full of conformity. For that alone, I will always respect Deiphago. Oh, and I really recommend checking out their cover of Deicide - "satisfaction" guaranteed...