Two pretzels walk into a bar – one was as-salted! I figured I would begin with a joke because I have run out of snazzy intros. And just like this stale joke and others that your uncle tells at parties, much of the brutal death metal sound has gone the way of four fifteen year olds who think that the chug-chug-chugga-silence-chug-chug-chugga-silence-bass drop-chug-chug-chugga-bad double bass/crash cymbal is akin to all of the brutal greats that have gone before. This type of stuff, seen in the simple songs of bands like Killswitch Engage, Waking the Cadaver, Suicide Silence, and the likes, is not representative of the brutal greats, both young and old, like Devourment, Dripping, Cephalotripsy, and Repudilation. These bands combined slow, groovy chords with intense yet often incoherent riffing to create an intense sound. Many bands now have chosen this metal/death-core style and have pegged it as brutal death metal. It has turned a style that I have cherished into a fat mess.

Most people have nothing but diatribes for bands like Devourment but will sing the praises of bands like The Day Everything Became Nothing, Rompeprop, and Cock and Ball Torture. Don’t get me wrong; I like these bands as much as the next guy but I am at least vigilant of the fact that songwriting takes a back seat to a heavy, catchy sound. Abominable Putridity have released a disc that contains a stripped-down version of the brutal sound, sans incoherent shredding and overuse of riffs. Instead, we are left with an intense slab of death metal much akin to Cephalotripsy in style, in the sense that the songs are filled with violent, groovy riffs. However, Abominable Putridity have a much cleaner sound and have a slightly faster pace but can mix it up and punch you in the twig and berries and bash your head on a barbecue like Kimbo Slice.

At first, I was honestly bored by the disc, even for a guy like me who enjoys this style. But after giving the disc a few listens, it grew on me and song after song of crotch-bashing became enjoyable. You often have your standard quick intro which leads into a nasty mosh riff which is then slowed down and continued until it all gets bridged back together, without James Brown saying, “Take me to the bridge!” The riffs are catchy and dare I say “fun,” in a way that needs listening. Throw in a nice, deep bass tone and some standard brutal vocals, and you have a nice calzone that would make Pizza Hut’s P’zone jealous.

I was honestly surprised by the positive reviews Cephalotripsy got with their release. So, this should not receive any less praise, as it hearkens back to the days when New Yawk was famous for its brutal sound. I may be nostalgic, but this disc takes it back to simpler times, when a few good mosh riffs, a 30 pack of Miller High Life, and a pack of Marlboro Reds meant a night of fun and enchantment. This Russian five-piece have done a hell of a job at resurrecting a style that most people think still exists. Crack open a Baltika – and better make it the Krepkoe (the strong one) – and enjoy!

Review byDouble Ds