Greetings, Decibel readers!
I sure hope you like death metal. Although there are lots of new releases this week, there’s a conspicuous glut of blood-soaked death that demands our attention. The coolest part is that all the releases below are from lesser-known acts, which means new pathways for listeners to explore. Don’t get me wrong, it makes my life easier when three or four big names come out with new noise in one week. But it’s really rewarding to gives everyone here a boost.
Enjoy!
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Consumption – Catharsis
As if Wombbath and his myriad other projects didn’t keep him busy enough, Håkan Stuvemark comes to us with another rad offering of death metal madness. This time, he and his buddies Jon Skäre and Ludvig Johansson deliver classic Swedish death metal infused with the melodic sensibility reminiscent of Heartwork-era Carcass and perhaps some of the mid-90s melodeath bands from continental Europe.
Stream: Apple Music
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Maceration – Serpent Devourment
Speaking of classic Swedish death metal. If you want to just marinate in the ancient blood of Entombed, Carnage and Dismember, then take a deep swig of the HM-2-powered chalice of Maceration. Sure, this style has been done to death, but this Danish outfit does it really well.
Stream: Apple Music
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Mephitic Corpse – Sickness Attracts Sickness
Pure, room-clearing, obnoxious filth. What makes Mephitic Corpse so good is that they represent everything most people can’t stand about death metal. When people say they hate extreme metal, this band’s sound perfectly encapsulates all of their grievances. Did I mention this totally rules?
Stream: Apple Music
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Rats of Gomorrah – Infectious Vermin
Meanwhile, if you want something that rocks a little more than it rips, the latest album from Germany’s Rats of Gomorrah might be more your speed. Note, this band used to be called Divide, in case that rings any helpful bells. Death metal when you’re hanging out over some light beers. Maybe grilling too.
Stream: Apple Music
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Shrieking Demons – The Festering Dwellers
Super raw, totally crushing, slightly experimental. Italy’s Shrieking Demons recalls Scream Bloody Gore-era Death, along with reminders of early Autopsy, early Sepultura and bits and pieces from the classic death metal cutting floor. Of all the albums on this week’s list, this is the one that most rewards repeated listening, as each song has something to discover and re-discover each time.
Stream: Apple Music