“Entombed In Shadows” has made an impact on me, more than its short runtime should. Grind, slam, brutal death metal, whatever you call it is more my extreme metal flavor than raw, sparse, caustic black metal. Both genres enjoy incomprehensible vocals, probably more for slam, which begs a very odd question for a Christian fan of extreme metal: do the lyrics matter? Why not hear the great luminaries of the genre? I’ll let that sit for a moment.
Christorment is but the latest project from long-time scene vet Zack Plunkett (Abated Mass of Flesh). This guy knows this genre and spins off projects faster than a politician can buy votes. I recognize him as half of the brothers Plunkett of AMOF fame, a forerunner in the Christian brutal death metal scene. However, in the last couple of years AMOF’s identity as a Christian band came into question when Zack honestly spoke of doubts and struggles with the faith in an interview. This led to some upset Christian fans.
In my opinion, doubt and struggling with faith isn’t rebellion. Even for those with a lively faith, there are hard things in life where uncertainty is unavoidable. I had a daughter die while I was believing in her healing. I still struggle, but I still believe that God is showing me something better than what I believed before. Faith is always changing and maturing. I would gladly hear Zack’s honesty about doubt over those that claim to be Christian just to get a following.
In the summer of 2025 saw the emergence of Christorment, a bold Christian portmanteau calling to mind Jesus’ suffering, after much of this internet swirling on faith and doubt around Zack’s comments. I don’t remember seeing much fanfare about it as I just stumbled upon the project in Bandcamp a couple of months ago. Having some familiarity, but not in detail (I personally abstain from social media) of the Christian/non-Christian discussion of AMOF, I was quite happy to see faith-centric slam from the master.
“Entombed in Shadows” is the second EP from Christorment and is everything that you would come to expect in brutal death metal. It is just the right length to get a good earful and not be overwhelmed with constant barrage of heavy riffs, double pedal bass, and deep guttural vocals that splatter through the speakers. Although it has all the trappings of base aural appetites, the presentation with sound bites, narrative, and choirs throughout elevate it above just another slam outing. Add to it the lyrics that need to be read to believe, this project is Christian slam par excellence.
I don’t have a steady diet of slam, but I dig this EP. The borborygmus vocals that sound like I’ve been fasting for a week, the heavy rumbly low-end riffs that rattle my chest, the pummeling bass drums, and the snare that shines like a lighthouse in the intense dark belie my erudite progressive musical tendencies. It is quite kinetic, lending to flash moshing if enough are so inclined. Zack’s keen understanding of infectious rhythm and when to switch it up shows there is more here than splattering sounds on this record.
The songs usually go at a mid-lumbering saunter with a bit of a swagger. The guitar provides a good blend of chugs, grooves, and squeals that are complemented by the bass drums. For much of the album, the snare provides the bulk of the treble frequencies and rings out like a shot. It works well, but I feel it is idiosyncratic to grind and maybe not to everyone’s liking. However, I particularly like the grooving thrashy “Entombed in Shadow” and the more majestic “Reconstruction” that provide variety to the beatdown.
I like the lyrics most of all on this album. These are heartfelt, honest lyrics that float up as a prayer. I may not decipher the lyrics upon hearing them, but like the groanings of the spirit, I feel pure intent. It is oddly peaceful within the musical tumult. It isn’t all unintelligible as there are sound bites with scripture and choir samples to give a touch of the sacred. The lyrics matter, but maybe not how we imagine.
In short, I love this piece of brutal praise and a return to soul-nurturing death metal from one of the Christian metal luminaries. You can’t beat the price on Bandcamp and the quality is insane. Check it out and slam for the Lamb!
Rating: 9.0/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist:
1 – Consecration
2 – The Work and the Word
3 – Crucified By Sin
4 – Entombed In Shadows
5 – Through My Suffering
6 – On Our Behalf
7 – Reconstruction
Christorment is:
Zack Plunkett – everything
Release Date: August 28, 2026
Record Label: Caustic Hymns Production
Discography:
Crowned in Torment (2025)
Entombed in Shadows (2026)
Social Media: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Bandcamp
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