Scorching Tomb : "Ossuary"

 

It's a strong year for Canada. This band continues the country's new tradition of musical exportation. Fans of death metal who are regular readers here will attest to the fact that I am picky when it comes to the genre. Just having a crushing guitar tone and brutal riffs is not enough for me. I need groove and dynamics. These guys bring it in a way some might think of as old school. But what you are really saying when you say old school is a time when bands cared about writing songs more than just unlocking a sound. These guys are obsessed with speed and cramming in as many solos as they can, so they let the riffs simmer for a bit. 

Devin Swank guests on the second song, but his growl is mixed in a way that you can hear it, but it does not stand out, so we will jsut wait for his band to drop their album. The growls used by this band are employed like Frozen Soul, where they are very intentional and punch with purpose rather than being an obligatory afterthought. Perhaps not as articulated as Frozen Soul, as the lyrics do not pop out, unless I am looking at the song titles, I could not tell you what these songs are about. The chug themselves into a more expected fury for "Diminished to Ashes" that finds the drummer using less restraint and unleashing a hammering on your ears. In this way, they sometimes bring Deicide to mind. 

"Sanctum of Bones" grinds into your head with more purpose even when the pace builds to a thrashing assault. The fact that the bass sits further up in the mix helps the overall sound, giving a heavier, denser feel. "Sentenced to Rot' finds a balance of intensity with hooky purpose, once they lock into the refrain. It took a couple of listens to really click with me. The tempo picks up more for "Feel the Blade."  It's effective, but at this point in the album, they could stand to paint the songs with some different sonic colors, as the guitar tones are all starting to race together thanks to the rapid drummer.  But on "Bloodlust Sacrifice," they do not relent in any regard until locking into a moshy groove midway in. 

The last song also finds itself at the intersection of thrash and death metal, using the same sharp guitar tone to keep up their impressive chuggathon. Sonically, everything is painted in the same aggressive shade of red, but they do not go for a full frontal assault and use nuance to craft their riffs. They wisely place their punches for maximum impact and show they care about writing songs. I will give this album a 9 and see how it grows on me. Fans of hooky death metal should take note when this album drops on October 24th on Time to Kill Records. 

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SARS : "Nothings Hurts Quite Like Life"

Metal Core has become one of the hottest bandwagons to jump on, though there are still some legit newer hardcore bands, pumping out real shit that is not just over-produced nu-metal.  This album is a case in point as it offers one of the heavier beatings to come from something like this in 2024. A few bands have taken on the moniker of SARS, this Finnish band might be the most deserving of it as their songs are both crushing and infectious. The title track kicks in with more overt anger before they find their staccato groove. The vocals are in an articulate yet suitably angry scream. At times are even allowed to tremble with emotion. They do not overdo the breakdown feel of the riffs but do not shy from them either. 

"Away From My Mind" finds the more uptempo thrashing layered with a stormy atmosphere, before locking into a riotous chant as the song ebbs down. The vocals are very effectively layered on the chorus. 'Solstice" is the rare song on this album that breaks the five-minute mark. It moves at more of a sludge-hinted shuffle. This creates a darker heavier sonic pulse. They continue down a darker musical path on "Blightbearer" It hammers at your ears with a sound more typical of metalcore bands. The emphasis is placed on the metal side of that equation thanks to the double bass dropping in at key points. Despite being more memorable "Bitter Soil" sounds like it is a breakdown down brings the previous song to its climax. 

The riff that opens " Not For the Violence" is a strong case for songwriting, though they keep enough teeth bared during their attack to hold up against the previous songs. "It Still Hurts" emotes from a similar place as the first half of the record. The accents of the backing vocals create an interesting dynamic. The dissonance keeps them from drifting too close to nu-metal. The more apocalyptic brooding merges again on "Gray' to close the album. They do throw themselves into a more blast-beaten section, but it gives more of a Slayer slant to their aggressive sound. I will give this album a 9.5 if you are looking for old-school hardcore with a metal pulse pumping its veins, these guys have you covered. This album drops July 12th on Time to Kill RECORDS.  

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