A few releases into 2007, Gnaw Their Tongues was an already promising project. Although none of what the project had released until this point could be considered great, there were songs and moments that held the promise of something greater, more sinister, and more experimental than ever before. Reeking, Pained, And Shuddering is the first fulfillment of that promise. Perhaps the best representation of Maurice De Jong's growth as an artist is on closer "Transition". The song plays out like a visceral tour of Ed Gein's house, and builds towards a massive climax that you just know is coming after the ominous description of the discovery of a hanging body, but never comes. The tension is absolutely toe-curling in those final minutes. There are spots where explosive rage reigns supreme over tension, however. On a sinister, strangely melodic black metal assault in "Nihilsm; Tied Up And Burning", De Jong wails over some truly monstrous and evil tremolo riffs, the atmosphere burning with fire-like intensity and misanthropy. The first of several excellent releases under the project, Gnaw Their Tongues' second full-length is an ugly sight to behold, but a riveting album to experience.
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