Let’s face it. This was never going to be a gentle stroll hand in hand through a rose garden, was it? George ‘Corpsegrinder’ Fischer, vocalist of death metal legends Cannibal Corpse returns after his storming performance on Cannibal Corpse’s 2021’s Violence Unimagined with his debut solo album and it is as face melting as you would expect.
At just over 30 minutes, the emphasis is clearly on instant bludgeoning followed by a quick exit. Brutality is the order of the day as has already been experienced through the lead single “Acid Vat”. Featuring Erik Rutan (Cannibal Corpse, Hate Eternal), “Acid Vat” opens the album, Corpsegrinder’s instantly recognisable vocal delivery roaring out the chilling words “into the acid vat, you must go” over a verminous riff and pounding onslaught which slows at points to provide emphasis without ever changing the depth of sinister intent.
Corpsegrinder isn’t just a rehash of Cannibal Corpse leftovers though. It’s a combination of beasts, a hybrid collection of death and thrash metal with more than an edge of hardcore. Check out the ferocity of “Bottom Dweller” which slams with a full-on vocal delivery and sees George enunciate in a stream of clear vocals. It’s punishing stuff, with blistering double bass kicks, huge chainsaw guitars and an overall feeling of immense power. The onslaught is relentless across the ten tracks and be in no illusion, you aren’t going to be offered a coffee break at any point here.
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If you were worried that the man who has been the voice of Cannibal Corpse for more than quarter of a century had turned soft, then fear not. He may collect cuddly toys, but the pace is relentless and with all songs clocking in at three minutes or under, there is little time to hang around. The intensity is enhanced by a superb collection of musicians who contribute to the aural assault which included Charlie Bellmore and Nick Bellmore, the Toxic Holocaust drummer respectful to the legendary frontman’s approach.
With such bruising power emanating from the outfit, it’s hard to expect anything except a bruising, visceral encounter and in tracks like “Defined by Your Demise”, the thunderous “Master of the Longest Night” and “Death is the Only Key” all expectations are fulfilled. It’s a battery of riffs, guttural roars, and powerfully constructed songs. There’s even a semi-thrash monster on closing song “Vaguely Human”.
Co-produced by Nick Bellmore (Dee Snider/Kingdom of Sorrow) and Jamey Jasta, this is a meaty, full-fat album that sits nicely alongside his previous works, and which is one of the heaviest records of 2022 so far.
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Corpsegrinder is out on February 25th
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Corpsegrinder: official | twitter | instagram | spotify
