Ulcer is a Polish sextet featuring members who have seen action in numerous bands from the depths of that country’s extreme metal scene. With stylish cover art and an improved logo on this, their second album, you could be forgiven for expecting a black metal band. Make no mistake though, as these Poles are 100% death. From what little I’ve heard of their debut, Ulcer previously had more of a leaning towards technicality. Here, there is far greater emphasis on crushing Swedish guitar tones and simplified arrangements. Rounded out with their first real drummer ‘of flesh and bones’ and a new bass player, the band certainly kicks up a storm with ‘Grant Us Death’.
A gentle guitar introduces the album before some Scandinavian ‘doom-crunch’ and buzzsaw set the true scene. As the title track unfolds, some meaty guitar parts – ranging from melodic to foot-tapping to vindictive – steal the show. The band’s new focus on less complex song structures definitely allows the riffs plenty of space in which to fester and exude the mouldering stench of death. On the vocal front, a mix of gruff barks and slightly lower bursts come courtesy of dual vocalists. The contrast between the two isn’t staggering but their combined efforts do add a bit more substance to the band’s septic gravy. Perhaps the most unexpected feature of all is that hardcore/thrash technique of sporadic clean backing vocals being shouted as if the people responsible are hurriedly popping their heads round the studio door for each contribution. As strange as this may sound for the context, it actually works well given how sparsely it is employed.
Of great importance is the drumming of new guy, Wizun. While his less intricate style certainly allows the guitarists all the room they need, there is no shortage of skill in his performance. Some fleetingly fast blast-beats on ‘Bloodpainted Salvation’ provide a bit of unexpected velocity, while spurts of double bass on ‘The Love Song’ add a seriously cool edge to proceedings. That said, the wall of guitars does define the album throughout. On top of their seismic tone, various subtle touches seal the deal – like the slow, melancholic lines of ‘Thanatoeuphoria’ which overlap in a manner reminiscent of Edge Of Sanity, or the melodic strains which cut through the filth on ‘Devitalized’. But just to reinforce their wretchedness, the band also treats us to a globule of phlegm being spat out in one instance, and some anguished screams in another, like those of Abruptum when they ritualistically nailed their scrotums to a piano. (Or something to that effect…)
According to the record label, ‘Grant Us Death’ is a ‘rotten bag filled with unpretentious D-Beats and blast beats, HM-2 buzzsaw overkill in the name of hate and misanthropy!’. In today’s world, such modest and realistic promotion is refreshing. It also hits the nail squarely on the head. Ulcer’s second effort, like so many death metal albums, does not revolutionise the genre or even pretend to. What it does do, however, is provide fans with a solid dose of rousing brutality.
(8/10 Jamie Wilson)
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