The last Ghoul album we covered was 2016's "Dungeon Bastards" which scored an 8. Making it certainly a worthwhile listen for fans, but not redefining death metal. They are heading out on the road in February so this will add some new blood to their set. The first song feels less raw, and more refined sonically than I have heard from them in the past. They are living up to their creepy persona, though once they launch into the verse, it is what you expect from them. Still, the effects on the vocals in the chorus provide a more nuanced touch. I certainly like it more than what I heard on "Dungeon Bastards", which still was a respectable effort, though not the level of mind-blowing you expect from a that has acquired such a cult status.
The title track finds them rushing into the kind of rapid-fire thrashing that has marked their previous work to varying extents. It is when things slow down for the chaotic solo section that they work best. They prove they are capable of writing catchier songs with "Shotgun Gluch" which might be the EP's best song. There is even a spooky melodic middle section, where the band proves they are more capable than they normally lead you to believe. The drummer really hammers this one home in the best way possible. These guys live at the place where thrash and death metal first met in the mid-80s. This does play to their benefit as it shows that they care about catchy riffs, and writing songs rather than just pummelling you into submission.
'Ratlicker" has an almost Carcass-like death n roll feel to it. The drummer continues to impress which puts him in the top tier of metal drummers these days. I am not sure why they chose to close things with a Funerot cover that is a minute and a half. Sure lyrically it aligns with who they are, but I think other choices would have been a better use of their time. I will give this a 9, which makes this not only a better example of what these guys are capable of but also sets the bar for death metal releases that shall follow in the year to come. If you are a fan there is going to be much for you to love here.
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