Art by Jonrinz Art
THIS SONG
I had hoped that the whole album would be as brutal and addicting as that one song. Was I right?
I must be getting good at predicting these things. Asphyxiate have produced what they promised, a return back to the roots of Indonesian brutality that is sure to have any Brutal Death Metal fan banging their head in recognition and agreement.
"Self Transform From Decayed Flesh" would have stood above many other 2013 releases on riffage and songwriting alone. Giving the album an extra boost is the impressive production and mastering from Josh Welshnam. Previously known as the brains behind promising one-man band, Autonomy, he has foreshadowed here a promising career behind the controls, helping bands achieve their prime sound and brutality.
The Disgorge-esque stylings of this record are unrelentingly punishing. The opening track, "Suffered in Vivisection" begins with a slower riff, as if to warm you up for whats to come. The mood is undeniably set, and the second half of the song throws you into a whirlwind of fast blasting riffs under half-discernible gutturals that are enunciated just enough to make you want to read along.
The whole album is riff after riff, providing little time to rest.
Josh (Guitar, Vocals) shows how it should be done. It is mind-blowing listening to this when you realize the guitar and vocals are coming from the same person. He has a real knack for changing up patterns between guitar and vocal riffs. His lack of diversity in the vocal department is saved by a few occurrences of layered vocals, and his scrupulous, punctual enunciation, going along nicely with his guitar-work.
Yogi, the man behind the drums, has obviously been doing this for a long time. Try as you may, and I have tried, but you will not find a dull moment in his perfect drumming performance. The drums, for me, are what make this album.
Asphyxiate have been around for over 10 years now. I am overcome with sadness and surprise when I say this is my first time hearing their music! My next step is to check out their entire back-catalogue.
For now, I am thoroughly enjoying "Self Transform From Decayed Flesh," as should you!
Purchase here:
A common complaint of mine is again an issue here: I wish the bass guitar (Adi) was a little more audible. I here it thickening up the low-end, I just cannot tell if it is doing much else. Being able to keep up at this pace is a feat of excellence for any bassist, turn it up!
The amazing artwork, from Jonrinz Art, gives an accurate visual representation of how I feel when this album is playing: I am being melted and torn into a thousand more versions of me! Transformed from my decayed flesh! He has many pieces of similar detail, check them out HERE.
Jonrinz Art-Ballpoint on paper 15,5 x 23,5 inches
Asphyxiate have been around for over 10 years now. I am overcome with sadness and surprise when I say this is my first time hearing their music! My next step is to check out their entire back-catalogue.
For now, I am thoroughly enjoying "Self Transform From Decayed Flesh," as should you!
Purchase here:
More art here:
