Review Summary: Some of the best slam from this era this side of Devourment.
This band's first and only album is a bit interesting in the history of slam death metal. Devourment had only come out with Molesting the Decapitated around 5 years before, and most slam bands were directly stealing from Devourment’s formula. Chunky breakdowns, raw sound production, and over the top gutterals. Now don’t get me wrong, Digested Flesh does still take very clear inspiration, but they take just enough to make it their own.
Right in the band's first actual song, The Answer to Infection, things are a bit different. Sure, there’s the crazy vocals, excellent drumming, and loud, heavily distorted guitar. But there’s a very clear production and clean bass presence that’s noticeable. The drums take the center stage at times in just how great it is. It keeps up with the songs and adds a lot more in terms of fills and accents that leaves you wanting more. There’s even some dual vocals in there from time to time.
There’s also how strong the songwriting is. The last half of the album is where the best aspects culminate the most. It easily rivals the band’s biggest influences. The drums abuse the crash and ride cymbals just enough to make everything else even more punchy in between blast beats. The guitar, while easily overpowering, still makes slight room for the clean bass. The last track, Intestinal Ejaculation, is downright catchy with its riffs and slam breakdowns.
Digested Flesh may have a very sparse discography, but sure made an impressive album in the meantime. The comical vocals will drive newcomers off, but the clean production is an aspect that only aids the band's sound.
Recommended tracks: Intestinal Ejaculation, Bucket of Afterbirth, Splatter Pattern, No Body, No Murder.
