2025 - The Search ov Brvtality
WORK IN PROGRESS. lots of releases to go over and i'm making sure sput will not time out on me again like last time. I always forget which "create list" link works. As for the list, lots of brutal death metal to go over. i'll do a mini review for each, and for those i've already done that to i'll make it very short. |
| 1 |  | Rotting Carcass
X.T.C of Woman Abuse
PART 1: 1.0 - 3.0
THE FORGOTTEN ABYSS
My definitive worst album of the year. Bloat, bloat, and decent music that’s bogged down. The production is manageable, but the drums sound like garbage. You can tell that these guys love Rotting, but have nothing to hold a candle to them. Also, they have a suspicious amount of high profile features for an obscure band. The samples take this from a 3 to a 1, they’re that terrible. Also has useless covers sprinkled in that's annoying. It’s clear that they’re all edgy 13 year olds. 39 minutes that feel like forever.
1.0 |
| 2 |  | Buttholectomy
Maggot Infested Carcass Eruption
Brainrot samples, generic slam, and annoying vocals. What more can you ask for?
1.5 |
| 3 |  | Parasitic Infestation
Killzone
Under the wrong artist, should be under "Parasitic Infection".
Boring modern slam with an emphasis on meme samples and triggered drums. Deathcore influences are pretty okay.
2.0 |
| 4 |  | Rex Viper
Turbocharger Deluxe
Pretty decent dad rock that’s brought down by ham fisted video game references. Come on, you can do this. Just get your shit together.
2.0 |
| 5 |  | Slaughter To Prevail
Grizzly
Jesus christ. Instruments are okay, but the lyrics and vocals are awful. Snare has a tasty tone though. Get a new vocalist and songwriter guys, it’s for the best.
2.0 |
| 6 |  | Xavlegbmaofffassssit....
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
The slam is generic and the deathcore is annoying. Not much to say beyond that, leaves very little of an impression.
2.0 |
| 7 |  | Chop Shop
Welcome to the Chop Shop
Another peelingflesh clone. Nuf said.
2.0 |
| 8 |  | Entrail Landfill
Promo 2025
Has good ideas but not enough to not feel dull. For a promo there’s potential for good stuff in the future, so i don’t discount it completely.
2.5 |
| 9 |  | Guts (FIN)
Nightmare Fuel
Death metal/groove metal stuff that is painfully average. There’s much better poser bands to get into, this is not it.
2.5 |
| 10 |  | Guttural Disgorge
First Degree Murder
A peelingflesh clone that has potential and cool riffs, but god damn it get those meme samples OUT. I’ll keep an eye on them, every time they lull me in I recoil in disgust when some family guy sample comes up.
2.5 |
| 11 |  | Internal Bleeding
Settle All Scores
Boring metalcore with death metal influences. Really? This is Internal Bleeding now? That’s a shame.
2.5 |
| 12 |  | Staticstorm
The Chaos of Love
Decent improvised noise rock stuff, but the vocals are terrible. It’s clear that the dude watched anime and said “yeah thats how all japanese talk”. It's ear piercing and really annoying.
2.5 |
| 13 |  | Vulnificus
Inclination
These guys get a lot of hype but I just don’t see it man. I’m not feeling the groove and the riffs don’t hit that much.
2.5 |
| 14 |  | Ayarwhaska
Dendritas Oscilantes
Harsh noise that doesn't stick to an idea good enough to be interesting. I really like the Hanatarash influenced harsh noise punk, so hopefully he sticks to that.
2.5 |
| 15 |  | Bubba
Cogwheels of the Pious Forge
Pretty middling brutal death metal. Not much to write home other than the band name.
3.0 |
| 16 |  | Cassadagga
Demo 2025
Love the theming, the music not so much. Doesn't leave that much of an impression. Keeping an eye on them, though.
3.0 |
| 17 |  | Cave Spellcaster
Treasure Goblin
Generic dungeon synth. Moving on.
3.0 |
| 18 |  | Dark Angel
Extinction Level Event
There's good riffs, but the longer songs feel quite underbaked. Inject more riffs, this album desperately needs it. Also, the vocals are funny but easy to get over.
3.0 |
| 19 |  | Faecalized
Craniopagus Parasiticus
I don’t even remember this release. It’s decent BDM, from what i can imagine.
3.0 |
| 20 |  | Guttural Slug
Ulcers in the Flesh of Thought
Not enough good ideas to take this above “ehh, its good.” Last track is the best one. Slams are all right.
3.0 |
| 21 |  | Infectious Jelqing/DJ Smokey
NUCLEAR SLAM DIVISION
Actually good meme slam? Cool. Did a review on this one.
3.0 |
| 22 |  | Infibulist
EP
A look into the earliest days of Effluence. It’s somewhat jagged bdm, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Kinda crazy that Infibulist would be built into the insane powerhouse that is Effluence. Pretty much only released for the morbidly curious, all the tracks were slowly recorded and completed from 2015-2020.
3.0 |
| 23 |  | Voracious Contempt
Exquisite Suffering
It’s decent old school bdm worship, but does little to stand out of the crowd. That little is Mortality, which is a pretty great track. Keeping an eye on these guys.
3.0 |
| 24 |  | Scalding
Nuclear Winter Spell
Decent black metal that could have done more with its thrash influences.
3.0 |
| 25 |  | Scissorhash / Mechanistic Butchery
Cybergore Supremacy
Has good ideas, but man the Scissorhash samples are god awful. MB keeps it together a lot better, good on them.
3.0 |
| 26 |  | Torture (USA-IL)
War Crime 2: Genocide Protocol
Good ideas but a step down from Enduring Freedom. I don't like the hardcore vocals, the slams miss, but there's good ideas. there's still traces of Enduring Freedom in there, but it's just not the same.
3.0 |
| 27 |  | Torture (USA-IL)
War Crime 2: Genocide Protocol, Act III
Possibly the most befuddling release of this year. I respect the act of releasing stuff despite how decisive it is. As for the music itself, go listen to it yourself. For me, I’m moreso rating the idea and gall of it.
3.0 |
| 28 |  | Bloodtied
Dismantling Neuroanatomy
PART 2: 3.5 - 4
THE UNFORSAKEN
It’s decent BDM that goes on for a bit too long for my liking. After a while it kind of just washes over me, unless the songwriting is real good. Meat and potatoes, for the better or worse.
3.5 |
| 29 |  | Drown In Blood (USA-NY)
Nobody Left to Kill
Pretty good slam/BDM. Not too much to say. But if you paid 10 dollars for an 8 minute cassette, you’re a sucker.
3.5 |
| 30 |  | Fleshmangled
Morphing Into Despised Victimology
Nice slam/BDM with some cool riffs thrown in. Keeping an eye on these guys, seems like they could branch out of simple minded slam.
3.5 |
| 31 |  | Further Down
The Next Last Day
A big collage of ambient ideas that don’t mesh the best. But what’s there is still pretty interesting. I usually don’t check out ambient other than dungeon synth, but it’s cool.
3.5 |
| 32 |  | Necrotic Sepsis Eruption
error.
BDM with a nice bass presence will get a thumbs up from me. It does what it goes for well, just enough to be a cut above.
3.5 |
| 33 |  | PeelingFlesh
PF Radio 2
More PF for the big fans only. The type of EP to hold fans over until the next record. There’s some new ideas which I hope are expanded upon. I really hope the “grinding to stay relevant” rumors are not true, since they’ve been doing a lot of cheap splits with obscure bands this year.
3.5 |
| 34 |  | President (UK)
King Of Terrors
Industry plant slop that I actually like. I’m a sucker for breakdowns, and overall it’s not perfect. Some elements do annoy me, but I still enjoy the whole pop metalcore thing. They do it better than Sleep Token, which is all I ask for. The vocalist is pretty good, love when he does screams and stuff for the more aggressive parts. Best of all, doesn't waste my time at 20 minutes.
3.5 |
| 35 |  | Sulfuric Cautery
Consummate Extirpation
Goregrind stuff has never gotten me more than a 3.5, but its still cool. Chaotic goregrind mixed in with heavy BDM is a nice change of pace. Very, very dense music that doesn't outlast it’s half hour runtime.
3.5 (now a 4.0, this rips) |
| 36 |  | Cerebral Autophagy
Nefarious Decomposition of Corporeal Form
Speaking of goregrind, heres more. Its a pretty fresh sound for BDM, with a mix of raw production, chaotic goregrind, and over the top OSDM solos. A big step up from their “Promo 2025”. The production is a bit too muffled, and the guitars are buried just enough to not hit outside of slams. Other than production this is a solid first effort.
3.5 (for now) |
| 37 |  | Torture (USA-IL)
War Crime 2: Genocide Protocol, Act II: Exodus
I like this more than his other 2025 releases, and I do like that it is supposed to be played seamlessly from Act I. It’s his signature gorenoise that feels more refined. The samples aren't fighting against his gorenoise, and it’s really cool.
3.5 |
| 38 |  | Torture Pig
Hogicide
Deathgrind/bdm with pretty legible gutturals. Of course the lyrics are absolutely sickening and fit the instruments well. Overall, very fast deathgrind with some groovy moments.
3.5 |
| 39 |  | Protydiya
Unfathomed Gradients
Its a decent mix of ideas for a serviceable prog metal ep.
3.5 |
| 40 |  | Augur
Arcane Insurgency
Riff heavy black metal. Everyone does an excellent job, it’s clear that they know what’s up.
4.0 |
| 41 |  | Balmora
Prologue
It has some metalcore tropes that I can’t get over (changing vocals and fry), but the riffs are really solid. Love the slam breakdowns that are built up to.
4.0 |
| 42 |  | Compulsed
Amalgamated Anguish
The vocals are for sure Ken England, but a lot more guttural. Riffs are business as usual, but the second half has some creative ideas for those willing to stay. I like the techy riffs balanced out with some slams. Also, bonus points for bass presence is given.
4.0 |
| 43 |  | Cryptopsy
An Insatiable Violence
For what it is, it’s pretty good. New crypt gets overhated since it’s not None So Vile. The first 4 tracks are good, but man the last 4 are excellent. The production is mostly biffed, with triggered/compressed drums doing the band no favors. Also, the vocalist is only a little annoying.
4.0 |
| 44 |  | Dead and Dripping
Nefarious Scintillations
I like my bdm nice and short, especially the off the wall stuff in here. I feel like the 44 minute runtime could have been trimmed, but what's left is still really out there. Weirdo dissonant/avant garde tech riffage along with some ultra low burps and gurgles. Sign me up any day, no matter the length.
4.0 |
| 45 |  | The Hyacinth Act
Imaginations in Technicolor
I mainly bumped this during my IDM phase, but I still respect it. The Autechre vibes are there, but dishes out some straight up weird IDM sometimes.
4.0 |
| 46 |  | Mephitic Corpse
Sickness Attracts Sickness
Real filthy bdm/deathgrind. I actually like the squeaky guitar tone. It’s pretty well made deathgrind, haven't really listened to it much. Probably should.
4.0 |
| 47 |  | Metaphobic
Deranged Excruciations
OSDM influenced death metal that doesn't bore me. I wrote a crappy review on it already, but there’s doom metal influences and more. Bought it on CD is how good it is.
4.0 |
| 48 |  | Spinal Fluid
Primordial Indifference Demo
Another PeelingFlesh clone that does it better than most. Shiny production with enough collabs to have that PF feel. Pretty no nonsense release.
4.0 |
| 49 |  | Stolen Gun
Demo 2025
Man, I barely remember this demo. I do remember the slams and breakdowns, which are very well done. It’s a blend of metalcore and grind that’s nice.
4.0 |
| 50 |  | teeth dreams
endlings.
Drone/harsh noise release I already reviewed. Feels like it was recorded in a deep and dank cave.
4.0 |
| 51 |  | Torsofuck
Feasting on Carved Remains
Usually for metal the bare minimum is i gotta hear your riffs. This is the exception. The drums and disgusting atmosphere make up for the fuzzed and drowned out riffs. Miko’s vocals are still the sickest around.
4.0 |
| 52 |  | Toughness
Black Respite of Oblivion
Proggy dm that is clearly inspired by Demilich. They riff off their style so much its kind of eye rolling here. The bass is very prominent, and is even given solos. Crazy stuff. Picked it up on cassette, apparently it's a 100 copy run. These guys still have untapped potential, some songs really tower over the rest.
4.0 |
| 53 |  | Sukeban
Antagony
Harsh noise that loses steam by the end. Starts off with some wild punk type of stuff, but by the end it's good.
4.0 |
| 54 |  | Anatomize
Systematic Torture
4.5 - 5
PART 3: ESTEEMED ENLIGHTENED
I have a checklist of what to look for in meat and potatos slam. One, bass presence. Gotta be there to give heavy low end to the riffs. A sharp guitar tone, well placed slams, and low gurgles are preferred. Excellent drums are also needed. This album has all of it and a short runtime. Really love this type of slam, even if it's not rewriting any book by any means.
4.5 |
| 55 |  | Morthar
10 Commandments
Groovy black metal with melodic undertones? Sign me up. I also enjoy that 10 commandments means 10 tracks, little details count. Brings the best of both worlds of filthy groove and aggressive black metal tremolo riffs. This guy has zero presence, give this dude a shot.
4.5 |
| 56 |  | Yowie
Taking Umbrage
Crazy math rock more in the vein of Damning With Paint Praise. Should give it another listen, I was not able to pick it up on CD, my shop only had the vinyl gatefold. It wears a bit thin once it's 30+ minute runtime ends, but its still great.
4.5 |
| 57 |  | Purulent Remains
Abhorrent Putrefaction
PART 4: TIME CRUNCH
Eh, the goregrind is good but the traditional death metal groove feels like it doesn't aid the sound when it takes over.
3.0 |
| 58 |  | Drowning the Light
Current 1366
There's ideas good and bad on here. The vocals sound very worn out and tired, but some of the melodic riffs are cool. When groove pops up, its in the form of blackened chugging that I love. It's pretty standard black metal for the most part. Production is cool but the pitch shifted vocals suck.
3.0 |
| 59 |  | Forbidden Temple
In The Rotting Grave
its weird to describe black metal as "cozy", especially traditional stuff like this. but it is for me. I love how minimal the synths are, and overall the "less is more" thought process here is well done. The riffs flow very naturally, from laid back grooves to more faster sections. Production really hammers home the cozy vibe with how not in your face it is. Only complaint is the double kick sounds like wet boxes.
4.0 |
| 60 |  | Mull
The Sound of Melting Gristle
ultra groovy goregrind with a fantastic bass presence. if you have an ultra filthy bass tone, you better not leave it in the back. the bass has a very pornogrind feel, while the riffs get more chuggy, but not to an exaggerated groove. very nice, i like it.
4.0 |
| 61 |  | Pralaya
Beyond the Tattered Curtain of Unspeakable Madness
Quite repetitive but nice war metal. I know nothing about it but I kinda like it. The whole album feels menacing in a way few metal albums achieve. Feels like you're in a cave with one of the gods on the cover. Even the grooves feel cavernous and oddly mystic. I like that it relies on dissonance in the weirdest ways to sell the atmosphere.
3.5 |
| 62 |  | Malignant Hyperthermia/Hypoferremia/Public Defecation
Split
The split is broken up around the interwebz, but this is the first goregrind to get above a 3.5. Malignant Hyperthermia brings brutal goregrind with hammering grooves, which I really like. The other two bring their own brand of noisecore and gorenoise, respectively. Hypoferremia is the most boring, but is still a serviceable 6 minutes of Anal Birth worship.
4.0 |
| 63 |  | Sulfuric Cautery
Killing Spree
Gotta love some Putrefaction in Progress worship, especially if they do it better. Production is a nice change from either a sludgy mess (which I kinda like), or purposely made garbage. It feels like they can breathe, and i love mixes when the insane drumming takes over alongside the riffs. Musicwise, no nonsense but great goregrind. I'm sure it will grow on me with time.
PINGPINGPINGPING PING PONG PONG
4.0 |
| 64 |  | Floating
Hesitating Lights
I don't listen to post-punk or gothic metal, and i tend to stay away from the former due to it's annoying fanbase. That being said, this is a very interesting blend. Bass presence is cool, and the guitars rely on dissonance a lot for an ethereal vibe. Like what most people think, it's a cool idea but maybe it's not to be. The whole post punk thing takes over a lot more than the death metal. Still a good blend of two way different styles.
3.0 |
| 65 |  | Insalubrity / Excrescence / Anal Stabwound / Theurgy
Sheol
God tier split material ruined by the fact 3 of the bands had only demos. Still great, but disappointing. Look at that lineup.
3.5 |
| 66 |  | Cerebral Autophagy
Promo 2025
it's serviceable slam death metal, but very uninspired. talked with the band about it, and it's material from a pervious band. not sure why they would rerecord it for a promo that does not represent their sound, but i digress.
3.0 |
| 67 |  | Deathrot
Necrosexsomnia
Some decent Cannibal Corpse worship thats all about necrophilia. its decent for what it is.
3.0 |
| 68 |  | Coagulating
Croaking Abysmal Stench
These dudes got potential, if the production was not ass it would be pretty good. Heard a preview from their next EP Deciphering My Scalded Creation, its much better. But this demo is rough.
2.5 |
| 69 |  | Blood Vial
Beyond Recognition
A lot of the songwriting is very cookie cutter and is not great enough to not wash over me. There's some nice riffs and slams, but as a whole this did not deliver the goods. You can do more than copy, it's okay.
2.5 |
| 70 |  | Burning Palace
Elegy
Kinda finding out with these dissonant bands is "ight, cool dissonance, but can you make me move?". These guys do that. It for sure relys on those classic dissonant riffs, but balances things out with a filthy groove to keep you on your feet. There's some dissonant black metal influences in there, and one of the better Gorguts worship bands.
4.0 |
| 71 |  | Decarnate
Engorged in Putrescence
Shout to Jimmy From the Block for hooking everyone up with this. This is pure fucken filthy brutal death metal from the nastiest crypts. Reminds me of Repudilation, which is a very welcome change from all of the Devourment and Disgorge clones of modern BDM. 6 minutes of filth and ooze to clean your ears out.
4.0 |
| 72 |  | Lust of Decay
Entombed in Sewage
I'll start with what I like. Some of the riffs slap, and the drummer is killing it behind the kit. But i hate the samples, the ridiculous deathcore vocals (usually i like that in bdm), and most of the songwriting does not hold up. It sounds like every other modern brutal death metal record and not enough to make it great. While I don't have a problem with sterile production, it really serves to make this album even more boring. Also Order 66?????? What they hell were they thinking?
3.0 |
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