Despondent

Brutal death metal is a favorite genre of mine. While it's often lumped in slam metal (which, admittedly, is similar), I think it's a distinct thing on its own, and I adore it. Even the meme-y and more joke-oriented bands can be good when done right.

But this, ooh yes sir this is good.

As the second release from BDM act "Abhorration", this album was recorded 3 years before it came out, in 2015. Why would they wait so long to release this album? Well, it's because the world wasn't ready.

At a surprisingly short length of only 30 minutes and 4 seconds, the album hits very hard with its punches on the listener's ears. On guitar, bass, and vocals we have Cameron Boesch. As a guitarist, he does well, I can't comment too much because it's simply good guitar-work. As typical of BDM it's very low-tuned, and very distorted. Surprisingly Cameron's guitar does not sound too muddy or "sludge-y" as I call it. While I enjoy muddy production (I think it can add to certain albums atmosphere) every now and then, it's a nice change of pace to have more modern production on a BDM record.

The reason this review is not above 92 is because of the drums. I'm not sure if a real drumset was used on this record or not (you can never really tell with BDM or slam) but it sounds like drummer Nick Shepetuk is beating on a pringles can or a plastic tub. The kick drum sounds good admittedly, but the cymbals are practically non-existent. Normally the bass is the most inaudible part of a record, but the hi-hat can barely be heard over the tin-can snare.

But on a more positive note, the opening track "Inflamed Appendage" is good, it's a bit chuggy sure but I'll give it a pass due to the chunky and heavy riffing. Cameron Boesch's vocals are a bit more shouty than alot of BDM and slam acts, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing (in my opinion), it's a good change of pain from the normal "chugga chugga bree bree" style that plagues so many BDM/slam acts. Truly, Cameron is a decent vocalist, however I personally think this album would've benefitted from being instrumental.

The bass, unlike the guitars, is rather muddy, though its only majorly noticeable in a few songs. I can't comment too much on it.

All in all, this album works. It's not my absolute favorite album ever, but it doesn't need to be. It's fun BDM that you don't have to think about too hard. Have fun with it.

-Someone who's rather grateful, and somewhat dead inside.