As of late I’ve really been in the mood for the gnarliest, most wretched sounding music I can find. Maybe it’s my angst towards the fact that my thirties is hurtling forward at an uncomfortable pace, maybe it’s the pathetic state of the world at large (probably this one). Either way, nothing hits right now as much as the grinding, hellish dirge of death metal, a genre I’m only now taking a proper dive into!
Thankfully, I’ve been made aware of New York’s Final Return Records, a label that has no shortage of releases that have been a perfect gateway to hell -er- the genre that has always evaded me. Here are four of their latest and nastiest releases, check them out!
SOMNOL – Brain Death
NYC-based and inspired by old school Death Metal like BOLT THROWER, SOMNOL are heavy as hell with a thick, solid sound that fully surrounds you. “In Absentia” rocks so hard, that final minute or so rules!
Tumulo – Cristo Demente
Hailing from Zurich Switzerland and inspired by Brazilian death-thrash like MUTILATOR, this is my favorite of the bunch. I love the head-banging tempo, “Deus Contra Todos” is a total ripper.
TOMB PORTAL – Ethanatogen
The Hungarian TOMB PORTAL blend Death and Black metal and have vocals described by Final Return as those of “a man being burned alive” and I’d have to agree. I love the relentless drumming here, makes me want to get back behind a drumkit!
Grave Heresy – Incineration Victory
GRAVE HERESY from Sweden play death-tinged war metal, influenced by bands like DIABOLIC OATH and sound absolutely brutal. “Mass Death Proclamation” is my favorite here, great riffs, great vocals.
