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Roundup From The Compound – October 24th, 2016

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GRIDFAILURE Issues “Digital Crush” At Metal Riot; Further Layers Of Societal Collapse EP Nears Free Samhain Release – Hostile alchemist GRIDFAILURE has completed the Further Layers Of Societal Collapse EP impending its free digital distribution on Samhain 2016, leaking new track “Digital Crush” through Metal Riot. GRIDFAILURE is the auditory harvest of David Brenner (Earsplit, ex-Theologian, ex-Heidnik), who abuses dozens of instruments, brewing a haunted apocalypse aura. The outfit’s Ensuring The Bloodline Ends Here debut was released in May via The Compound Recs. With a second album, Teeth Collection, nearing completion, Further Layers Of Societal Collapse provides some insight of the bizarre directions the unit’s output is taking. The use of field recordings infusing elements of nature and civilization into the mix carries into the new material, which infuses more percussive elements and guitars than the debut. Contributions from cohorts BJ Allen (Full Scale Riot) and Pete Tsakiris reflect the first GRIDFAILURE collaborations to see release, a trait that lies heavily in the upcoming releases. [MORE…]

COLISEUM & DOOMRIDERS: Magic Bullet Records Confirms Reissue Of Long Out-Of-Print Danzig Covers For November Release – Magic Bullet Records will reissue the long out-of-print Not Of this World split 7” from COLISEUM and DOOMRIDERS in November, this week posting preorders and more on the release. Back in 2005, COLISEUM’s Ryan Patterson self-released a 12” on his label Auxiliary which featured both his band and Boston’s DOOMRIDERS’ ultimate tribute to the almighty Danzig. Each band turned a cover of a song from the classic self-titled debut Danzig LP, with COLISEUM adding two originals and DOOMRIDERS putting up one original. A CD version of the release was also issued on the defunct Level Plane label. [MORE…]

NATHANIEL SHANNON AND THE VANISHING TWIN To Release The Macabre Sounds Of Trespasses Via Aqualamb Records; Album Teaser Posted + Two-Part Memorial Announced“His multi-dimensional songwriting takes you down a dark ally. You’re in a smoke filled room surrounded by thieves and hustlers. Every song on this record is true. It picks up and slams you down emotionally. NATHANIEL’s no rules approach to putting these songs together pits it as the alternate version of the Taxi Driver soundtrack. In other words, it’s honest. It’s real.” – Steve Austin, Today Is The Day Trespasses is the startling full-length debut from the Brooklyn-via-Detroit artist NATHANIEL SHANNON AND THE VANISHING TWIN. Set for release on October 28th via Aqualamb Records, the record features fifteen truly haunting tracks, the accumulation of nearly a decade of bedroom recordings by singer and multi-instrumentalist NATHANIEL SHANNON. [MORE…]

DIE CHOKING Begins Tour With Department Of Correction – Philadelphia’s DIE CHOKING begins their US tour with Paris-based Department Of Correction this week. Following DIE CHOKING’s first European tour early this year with DOC, the tour will now repeat itself on US shores. DOC will head into the country mid-October to join up with DIE CHOKING for a week-and-a-half of tour dates down the East Coast, beginning the eleven-city run across the East Coast in Allentown on Thursday, October 20th. From there, the bands will blaze through Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte, Columbia, Atlanta, and Jacksonville, before coming to a finale at the massive The Fest 15 in Gainesville, with the likes of Fucking Invincible, Coke Bust, Braid, Night Birds, and dozens more. [MORE…]

COKEGOAT: Windy City Death Doom Dealers Premiere “Winter Of Fear” At Decibel – “…making life is a disgusting, gooey, bloody mess.” — COKEGOAT Windy City-based death doom dealers COKEGOAT will self-release their anticipated Drugs And Animals full-length on wax late next month. In advance of its release, today Decibel Magazine is offering up the corrosive sounds of third album cut, “Winter Of Fear,” for public inebriation. Elaborates the band, “‘Winter Of Fear’ was written after a most traumatic birthing experience. When we scream about pain in this song, we mean it. If you’re getting chills at any point during this track, it’s because making life is a disgusting, gooey, bloody mess. Just like being in COKEGOAT.” [MORE…]

CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE: Magic Bullet Records Adds Reissue Of Classic 7” To 20th Anniversary Release Roster – As part of Magic Bullet Records’ 20th anniversary celebrations, the label is proud to announce another installment in the CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE reissue project, this time in the form of the “4010” b/w “Away” 7” originally issued on Freewill Records in 1994. During a brief run of less than three years (1993-1996), CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE managed to turn punk on its head via their trademark (and often imitated) sound that holds up to this day. Everyone from Jimmy Eat World to The Get Up Kids to Texas Is The Reason has cited the influence of the band on both their bands and what became known as “emo” at large, with Alternative Press going so far as to name the CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE as one of “13 Bands that Became Legends in Four years or Less” (2010) AND “23 Bands Who Shaped Punk” (2007). [MORE…]

FRIEND OR FOE And PIECE BY PIECE Exclusive Tracks From The Extermination Vol. 3 Flatspot Records Comp Playing At Decibel Magazine – With the November release of Flatspot Records’ The Extermination Vol. 3 compilation LP closing in, two more tracks have been issued, as Decibel Magazine unloads the new songs from PIECE BY PIECE and FRIEND OR FOE for exclusive streaming. The demise of Carry On hath wrought a beast with aggression and attitude that cannot be controlled. A beast that has been built from the dead, PIECE BY PIECE was formed by Nick Jett (Terror, Carry On) and Corey Williams (Internal Affairs, Carry On) in late 2001 as an outlet for the music that had no place within the framework of their other projects. They have perfected the technique of pushing boundaries and not compromising their raw expression one bit. Along with Edgar Vazquez and The Smacman, PIECE BY PIECE has become the quintessential hardcore punk band from Los Angeles influencing many and pissing off many more. [MORE…]

MOTHER FEATHER To Support The B-52’s On Halloween Scream NYC Tour Dates – Later this month, New York City’s self-described “pop cock rock” band MOTHER FEATHER will join The B-52’s on their Halloween Scream NYC tour dates at the Space at Westbury Theater on October 28th and Webster Hall on October 29th. See below for event details and ticketing information. [MORE…]

THE PINE BOX BOYS: The Feast Of Three Arms By Bay Area Horrorbilly/Bluegrass Bandits Playing At Metal Underground; Album Out NOW – This week, San Francisco’s horrorbilly/bluegrass bandits THE PINE BOX BOYS will issue their fifth full-length The Feast Of Three Arms. Ahead of its officially-declared street date, the band now serenades the public with the ill-omened wares of the album through an exclusive stream at Metal Underground. Over the course of four prior albums, San Francisco’s THE PINE BOX BOYS have charted the course of a killer named Willie who, accompanied by a rogue’s gallery of other nefarious types, slashed a bloody career across the south and westward to the territories.  [MORE…]

ANAGNORISIS: Entire New Album Streaming At Noisey; Peripeteia Out NOW Via Vendetta Records, Yehonala Tapes, and Like Young Records –  Louisville-based black metal brigade ANAGNORISIS will this week unveil their intense third full-length, the conceptual Peripeteia, through an alliance of labels including Vendetta Records, Yehonala Tapes, and Like Young Records. Noisey is now streaming Peripeteia in its sprawling entirety, offering of the album, “This is black metal at its most grand, coldly melodic and unapologetically over-the-top without stumbling into wimpy, overly symphonic territory,” continuing, “ANAGNORISIS​ has always felt like a band that demanded quite a lot of itself, and on Peripeteia​, one gets the distinct impression that they’re finally satisfied—not enough to stop, or to slow down, but to push even harder.” [MORE…]

BLACK HOLE GENERATOR: Black Metal Unit Spearheaded By Vulture Industries’ Bjørnar E. Nilsen To Release First New Offering In A Decade; Single Streaming At No Clean Singing – Forged in 2006, BLACK HOLE GENERATOR is the brainchild of Vulture Industries’ mainman Bjørnar E. Nilsen. It’s been a decade since the band’s first release, the critically-lauded Black Karma MCD, saw the proverbial light of day. And it’s of little wonder why given Nilsen’s frantic work schedule. Not only has Nilsen kept busy with the increasingly successful Vulture Industries, he is also among Norway’s most noted producers, working with bands such as Taake and Helheim, as well as owning Bergen’s Conclave and Earshot Studios with Enslaved’s Herbrand Larsen and Arve Isdal. But the wait is finally over as BLACK HOLE GENERATOR prepares for the release of their long anticipated A Requiem For Terra full-length. [MORE…]

FULL SCALE RIOT: Opening Track To Eulogy Recordings-Bound empower By NY/NJ Hardcore Act Playing At Revolver Magazine – NYC area-based hardcore quartet FULL SCALE RIOT’s debut album, empower – featuring an all-star cast of guests including Ben Harper, Chris Rivers, Marc Rizzo, Jimmy Gestapo, and more — is scheduled for late November release through Eulogy Recordings. Revolver Magazine is now exclusively streaming the album’s opening track, “Hold You To The Fire,” as preorders for the record and more are unveiled. [MORE…]

AUROCH: Full Mute Books LP By Vancouver Death Metal Outfit Streaming At Noisey; Album Out This Week Via Profound Lore – As Profound Lore Records prepares to issue the monolithic third album by Vancouver’s death metal elite, AUROCH, with Mute Books this week, the entire record is now streaming in its entirety at Noisey, alongside an interview with the band. Enveloping shadows of ominous death metal chaos loom with AUROCH’s Mute Books, which reveals itself as the band’s darkest, most brutal, complex, and musically virulent release to date. Carrying the innovative Canadian death metal tradition laid down by the likes of early-1990s records by Gorguts, Cryptopsy and Kataklysm, and more recently through the likes of Mitochondrion and Chthe’ilist, the songwriting on Mute Books reaches a new plateau in technicality and over-the-top dynamics along with a new achievement in production and sound. [MORE…]

AENAON: Greek Avant Black Metal Collective Streams David Lynch-Inspired “Fire Walk With Me” At No Clean Singing; Hypnosophy Preorders AvailableHypnosophy is the impending new long player from Greek avant black metal alchemists AENAON. Set for release next month via Code666, the overwhelming, seven-track offering was captured at Crown Audio Conspiracies and is a true work of vision and devotion. Dreamlike yet nightmarish, sensual yet dark, extreme, progressive and regal, Hypnosophy is a portal to a glorious surrealistic voyage like no other. [MORE…]

THEOLOGIAN and LAMENT CITYSCAPE: Soft Tissue Full-Length Streaming; Record Out NOWSoft Tissue, the collaborative full-length from LAMENT CITYSCAPE and THEOLOGIAN, is out tomorrow, October 21st, the entire record now available for streaming. Recorded between Autumn 2015 and Spring 2016, Soft Tissue is a collaborative album conceived by brooding Oakland-based “larva rock” project LAMENT CITYSCAPE, and New York “blackened synth-death” act THEOLOGIAN, compositing industrial degeneracy and post-metal heft to create a thoroughly oppressive, and immersive, sonic experience. The project was initiated by David Brenner (Gridfailure, Earsplit, ex-Theologian) and David Rodgers (Godhunter, Battleground Records), and spearheaded by Mike McClatchey of LAMENT CITYSCAPE and THEOLOGIAN’s Lee Bartow. [MORE…]

SLEEP’s “The Clarity” 12” To Receive Official Pressing Via Southern Lord – Southern Lord Recordings is pleased to announce the impending re-release of SLEEP‘s “The Clarity”. The special 12” contains the first new song from the band in nearly two decades. Initially released digitally as part of the Adult Swim Singles Program in 2014, SLEEP’s “The Clarity” is the first new track the band released since their critically-adored, 1998-released Dopesmoker album. Afterward, the band issued a very limited run of the song on vinyl which was sold exclusively at their live shows and the band’s online store. Having been out-of-print in physical format since, Southern Lord will now re-release the mammoth track for official distribution. [MORE…]

EXCEL: SoCal Thrash/Hardcore Crossover Group To Reissue The Joke’s On You Via Southern Lord This November – SoCal punk-hardcore-metal hybrid outfit EXCEL has remastered their seminal 1989 release, The Joke’s On You, which is now set to be released via Southern Lord in November. Originally released via Caroline Records, and produced by Randy Burns (Megadeth, Kreator, Possessed), The Joke’s On You is EXCEL’s second full-length, which saw wide acclaim from thrash, punk, metal, and skate rock circles, as members have been known to share ramps with pros Christian Hosoi, Eric Dressen, and Tony Alva, and others. Drawing influence from a diverse range of artists including Black Sabbath, Black Flag, Jimi Hendrix, and early era-Corrosion Of Conformity, people often talk of “crossover” acts, but none quite do it as exceptionally well as EXCEL. [MORE…]

EARSPLIT DISTRO: Be sure to raid EARSPLIT DISTRO for all titles from The Compound Recs including CLASSHOLE (featuring members of Eyehategod, Mountain Of Wizard, haarp, and more), DIE CHOKING, LAE (featuring Steve Austin from Today Is The Day), GRIDFAILURE, GODHUNTER, and more, in addition to hundreds of imported/distributed titles from Selfmadegod Records, Supernatural Cat, 20 Buck Spin, Indisciplinarian, Exile On Mainstream, and many others. [GO HERE]

 

Contact liz@earsplitcompound.com, dave@earsplitcompound.com or pr@earsplitcompound.com for interviews with the above artists, or bands listed below with current and/or pending tour dates; keep up to date on all Earsplit-related tour offensives at our Live Actions page HERE.

 

ABIGAIL WILLIAMS ALLEGAEON ANAGNORISIS – ARMORED SAINT – BATTLECROSS BELLRINGER – THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER BRAIN TENTACLES BROTHER OF THE SONIC CLOTH – CARCASS CASTLE – COGNITIVE – CONCLAVE – DEATH ANGEL DETHBEDS – DIE CHOKING – DYSRHYTMIA EIGHT BELLS –  FISTULA – FULL SCALE RIOTGATECREEPER – GOOD TIGER HALSHUG – INFINITE SPECTRUM – IT’S NOT NIGHT: IT’S SPACE – KHEMMIS KING DEAD – LIFESICK LORD OF WAR – MAGIC CIRCLE – MOTHER FEATHER – NATHANIEL SHANNON AND THE VANISHING TWIN – NEUROSIS – NO LIGHT OKKULTOKRATI – PAIN PANZERBASTARD – THE PINE BOX BOYS – POWER TRIP – THE POWER OF THE RIFF – PG.LOST – RISING – RISK RELAY – SOUTHWEST TERROR FEST V – SUPERJOINT – THEORIES – TOMBS – TUTTI I COLORI DEL BUIO   UFOMAMMUT – ULCERATE – VASTUM – VOID OMNIA – WHITECHAPEL – WOLVHAMMER – WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM – WOVENWAR

http://www.earsplitcompound.com
http://www.facebook.com/earsplitpr
http://www.twitter.com/EarsplitPR
http://www.soundcloud.com/earsplit
http://www.instagram.com/earsplitpr
http://www.earsplitdistro.com
http://www.thecompoundrecs.com
http://www.facebook.com/thecompoundrecs
http://www.thecompound.bandcamp.com

 


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Source: Earsplit
Roundup From The Compound – October 24th, 2016
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CD Reviews

Ministry – HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES

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As we near the collapse of mankind and the imminent doom of our political system, a perfect stage has been set for the outspoken rebels to flood the airwaves with dissident upheaval bathed in musical bliss. With the end looming, no greater landscape could welcome the reemergence of the enigmatic Al Jourgensen and company with their latest release, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES, via Nuclear Blast Records. Scheduled for a March 1st 2024 release, Uncle Al, along with guitarist Cesar Soto, Paul D’Amour, formerly of TOOL, on bass, John Bechdel on keys, Roy Mayorga (ex-STONE SOUR) on drums, and newly added guitarist Monte Pittman, form the current incarnation of the long-lived Ministry.

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This album is an open-book commentary on our American society at large, bathed in slow-burn angst and distortion injected with punk rock/thrash riffs and samples galore.

Within the opening seconds of track one, a female voice proclaims, “What was once forbidden becomes fringe, and what was once fringe becomes mainstream.” Soon Al’s vocals take over with a distorted and effect heavy declaration of “horny little boys filled with hormones and hate, waging war on women ‘’cause they can’t get a date,” thus laying the groundwork for the entire album. As “B.D.E.” (Big Dick Energy) continues, a heavy yet simplistic guitar riff drives the song forward while increasing the energy level and tempo. Al’s vocals continue with his immediate, recognizable attitude and tone, stating, “No one can justify the toxic behavior.”

“Goddamn White Trash” is perhaps the most accessible and rythematic song on the release. It has hints of the Psalm 69 days of the band. Chants of “USA, USA” ring out along side screeching guitar noise reminiscent of Mike Scaccia’s playing style.

Track three is titled “Just Stop Oil,” and it dives into yet another realm of political advocacy. Jourgensen delivers, “Dehumanization at a cellular level. Policy set by the corporate devils, There must be resistance, we cannot be silenced, There is the existence of possible violence” in a growled whisper.

On the track “Aryan Embarrassment,”  we are treated to a none-more-fitting guest appearance from what I believe is activist and Dead Kennedys front man Jello Biafra, who delivers a rap-style series of vocal lines backed by a driving rhythm. Jello wails, “How on Earth did all this happen? Plagues of militantly stupid” Followed by “Scamming on the punk scene.  Oi, oi, oi. Ain’t proud of you boys at all.”

Another standout track is “New Religion” which starts with a classic industrial riff and buries itself in the repetitive, slow-burn heaviness that has become the Ministry standard as of late. Followed by “It’s Not Pretty,” which opens as a haunting acoustic piece that I imagine being set in a post apocalyptic landscape with the reverberating lyrics “It’s not pretty. This is the end of the world to me. This is the end of society.”

“Cult of Suffering” strays from the format of the balance of the album and could be firmly placed on an Alabama 3 album, and it may feel at home on a Surgical Meth Machine release.

Rounding out the album is a little ditty called “Ricky’s Hand.” This is a synth pop throwback to the early days of Ministry and leaves us longtime fans eager to hear the longtime teased rerecording of some of the very early Ministry material. This track has a Devo, Information Society, and even Depeche Mode feel to it and is a perfect bookend to a solid release from an iconic band.

Ministry will be on tour throughout the summer with Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper and Helmet.

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Bloodywood: Concert Review Pittsburgh, PA

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In a realm of modern music overflowing with musical genres, there are few bands that possess a unique sonic force that defies categorization while leaving listeners spellbound and yearning for more. One such band is Bloodywood. They are a musical force that blends cultural heritage with a relentless fusion of metal, hip-hop, and traditional Indian rhythms.

As a band, they are carving a distinctive path and leaving an indelible mark on the modern musical landscape. Their raw energy, cultural fusion, and a fearless spirit of rebellion is a testament to the transformative power of music, transcending boundaries and uniting people from all corners of the globe. With their infectious energy and thought-provoking lyrics, the band has built an ardent following, igniting a revolution that stretches far beyond the realm of music or the shores of any country.

Born in the vibrant streets of New Delhi, India, in 2016, Bloodywood showcases their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, both musically and socially, as they fearlessly tackle pressing issues and ignite conversations.

The sonic odyssey of Bloodywood graced the stage of the Roxian Theater in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, which is nestled in the shadow of Pittsburgh only a short distance down the Ohio River from the infamous Steel City.

The show opened with a blast of energy from the British duo WARGASM, whose stage presence was undeniable. Sam Matlock, Milkie Way, and company tore through an unadulterated set of nu-metal tracks tinged with punk and electronica that included “Super Fiend”, “D.R.I.L.D.O”, and “Rage All Over”. They followed up with the video sensation “Fukstar” and wound down the set with some crowd surfing and a cover of N*E*R*D’s “Lapdance” and closed out the set with the track “Spit”.

After a brief break in the mayhem, Vended made the stage rumble to life. Their agro-metal induced a great deal of similarity to early Slipknot, and that is not surprising given that frontman Griffen Taylor is the son of Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and Simon Crahan is the son of percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan. The band sounded tight and featured competent song composition; however, the vocalist needed to learn how to work the stage. It was as if his shoes were nailed to the floor at center stage.

As stage lighting flickered to life, the crowd prepared to be immersed in a symphony of cultural fusion, electrifying riffs, and unapologetic lyrics. We all knew that we were about to experience something quite special. As the sonic saga began, drummer Vishesh Singh sat behind his kit, awash in blue and purple lights, as the anticipation grew more intense. The intro track for “Gaddaar” echoed throughout the theater before the bombastic bass, gnarly guitar riffs, and the thump of the drums shook the walls as the entire band burst onto the stage to metaphorically say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an electrifying evening filled with raw energy enshrined in a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that defies conventions.”

The crowd began losing themselves in the pounding intensity, their bodies moving in sync with each thunderous beat as Sarthak Pahwa wailed away on his dhol. The band seamlessly migrates from the thunderous “”Gaddaar” to “BSDK.exe” from their most recent release Rakshak that couples a more hip-hop vibe on the verses with a crushing guitar rhythm from Karan Katiyar throughout the rest of the track.

Adorned in their fusion of metal attire and traditional Indian clothing, twin vocalists Jayant Bhadula (vocals and growls) and Raoul Kerr (rap vocals) commanded a powerful presence as they ran through “Aaj” with its hypnotic flute licks and downright brutal lead vocals. The five minute long song pushed the audience into heightened frenzy before slapping them across the chin with “Dana Dan”. Which had Raoul Kerr rapping/screaming “I put a fist through the face of a rapist and yeah, I taped this. For the viewing pleasure of the nameless faces he disgraces.”

Up next was the more mellow and chill track “Jee Veerey” that featured more of Karan Katiyar’s enigmatic flute playing along with a more melodic yet still intense vocal delivery from Jayant Bhadula as he sang in his native tongue.

The track “Zanjeero Se” was followed by “Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)” which truly showcased the rhythmic prowess of drummer Vishesh Singh and dhol master Sarthak Pahwa. It was so enthralling to watch Sarthak perform on such a simplistic instrument and to make it so vibrant and energetic. His playing transports Bloodywood’s music to a completely different level.

As the set reached its crescendo, it was obvious that the sweat-drenched band had poured their hearts and souls into every note. Wrapping up their set was the sing-along inducing “Ari Ari” that left the crowd breathless and drenched in the passion that radiated from the stage.

But… There is more. As an encore, the band jumps back in to the opening track “Gaddaar” thus cranking up the mosh-pit’s intensity to eleven, causing every person down front to expel every ounce of remaining energy from their bodies.

It was incredibly refreshing to see a band that, in some magical way is able to unite people regardless of age, background, or nationality. To see people connected by their love of the music and a band. The shared experience created an atmosphere of camaraderie and acceptance, where strangers become friends, and barriers dissolve in the face of the music.

Unfortunately, this was the last stop on Bloodywood’s North American tour, save some festival dates. Hopefully, they will be returning to the states soon. If you have the opportunity to see them live, do not sleep on it. I promise you will not be disappointed.

In the meantime you can get more info at: www.bloodywood.net/

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Cattle Decapitation Terrasite Album Review

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Terrasite by Cattle Decapitation

Today, 05/12/2023, saw the release of the 8th studio album from San Diego’s own Cattle Decapitation. The follow up to 2019s Death Atlas, Terrasite shows how a band can grow and evolve while staying true to their roots. Starting as a grind band in the late 90s and with relentless touring and continual releases this album shows them further building upon elements of their previous albums.

The album has great production. The copy I used primarily for my review is the vinyl version which is 45 RPM and it sounds great. In particular, I think the drum production is particularly well executed. A lot of times with death metal the kick drum is either too “bassy” so it’s difficult to hear or it’s the other way and you can hear all the hits without the bass tone. This album is a great balance of the two. You can hear clearly how fast drummer, Dave McGraw, is going without losing the “thump”. The blast beats alone will rattle the brain. The guitars are grimy and dirty with some blistering leads. The bass rattles while still having a solid low end. You can really hear it in songs like “Solastalgia” which has a small bass lead in it which I didn’t see coming and was pulled off great.

The vocals, I feel compelled to say that Travis Ryan has to be one of the most underrated and versatile vocalists in metal. Highs that make the ears bleed, lows that are gurgling, wet and gross sounding. Harsh singing reminiscent of 80s thrash bands, and clean singing that are almost, but not quite, reminiscent of the late Peter Steele from Type O Negative.

Lyrically they stay on brand ranging from the end of humanity, apocalyptic themes, and mistreating humans the same way humans mistreat animals. Very dark and grotesque subject matter. When asked about the lyrics to this album Ryan states “I wanted to do the 180° opposite of Death Atlas – I wanted this to take place in the daylight. I’ve always found daytime horror to be really unsettling so I wanted to make sure what was going on on the cover took place in the light of day, which also finds its place within the lyrics.”

Tracks like “A Photic Doom” showcase traditional style death metal guitar riffing, with elements of tech death and slam. “Dead End Residents” leans into some of the darker ends of thrash metal and is reminiscent of bands like Slayer. “Scourge of the Offspring” shows an impressive command of melody without sacrificing the grime that covers the album while almost coming off as anthemic.

The album closes with the ten minute epic “Just Another Body” which begins with a piano melody that would be at home in a late 70s era horror movie while building into something that’s not quite death, not quite thrash, and not quite grind. Ryan uses the full range of his voice while there are symphonics layered in the background to keep the melody from being lost while still playing with grind based riffs and blast beats.

Overall if you’re looking for a strong contender for death metal album of the year I will highly recommend this. As of this writing I haven’t been able to stop listening to it for three days now. The album currently available on all the usual streaming platforms and physical copies can be purchased here. (www.indiemerch.com/cattledecap)

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