Asphyxiate - Self Transform From Decayed Flesh - 2013 - New Standard Elite

Art by Jonrinz Art

I interviewed Asphyxiate (HERE) before I had even heard more than one song from this album.
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.

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:

NEW STANDARD ELITE

More art here:

JONRINZ ART

Interview with Josh (Guitarist/Vocalist) of Asphyxiate - 2013

Asphyxiate, a three-piece Brutal Death Metal band from Indonesia, have a full length album being released November 23rd, 2013.  I was lucky enough to have Josh, the band's guitarist and vocalist, answer a few questions.  Check out the interview below!





Cerebral Reviewment-  Hello and thank you for answering a few questions!  First of all, who are you and what is your role in Asphyxiate?

Josh-  hello, my name is Josh, I play guitar and am the vocalist in Asphyxiate.

CR-  I am very excited to hear “Self Transform From Decayed Flesh,” your upcoming full length!  Can you tell us anything about it?  How would you describe its sound?

J-  It feels so awesome, finally we have a new album with the new line up!  We proud to join forces with New Standard Elite.  It will sound like "heavy blasting brutality."  We play a little different style from our previous album, but it still on the same atmosphere and riffing.

CR-  Who did the art for your upcoming full length?

J-   The art is a great match for the album title, killer art done by Jonrinz Art.

CR-  How did you guys start working with Jonrinz Art?

J-  Daniel Osborn give us the idea to use Jonrinz Art; he told us that Jonrinz had a unique style.  He is a great artist.

CR-  I understand the album is mixed and mastered by Josh Welshnam (Autonomy).  How did the band get in touch with him?  Are you pleased with how everything turned out?

J-  Daniel Osborn gave us three good mixers to choose from, and as a band we finally chose Mr. Josh Welshnam to work with us.  Yes, we are pleased to work with him, he did a good job on mixing and mastering this album.

CR-  Congratulations on the recent signing to New Standard Elite Records!  What can you say about the label?

J-  Thank you, we are really proud and excited to sign with New Standard Elite, good label, pure brutality label with no trends and fads. New Standard Elite know exactly what band needs.

CR-  Do you guys have any big plans in the future for touring?

J-  Maybe we will make a little promo album tour. We hope so.

CR-  Who are some of your biggest influences?

J-  Suffocation, Decrepit Birth (old), Deeds of Flesh (old).

CR-  Who are some other bands from Indonesia that we should check out?

J-  Check out Carnivored, Injury Deepen, that's it for now, to many to list bro.

CR-  Thanks a lot!

J-  You're welcome brother. Thank you for taking your time interviewing us.

ASPHYXIATE

PREVIEW OF "Self Transform From Decayed Flesh" HERE

NEW STANDARD ELITE RECORDS