No matter what happens with my music taste one thing remains true, Brutal Death Metal. I will never tire of it and it’s perhaps the one genre that if I haven’t heard in a while I get a bit of withdrawal. So, it is befitting that I am now able to get my fix with our subjects for today, although more of them in a moment. My relationship with Brutal Death hasn’t always been great though, a few years back with the rise of Brutal Deathcore I fell out of favour with the genre. Yet upon embracing this genre I’m now back and more addicted than ever.

Straying from the paths of Deathcore however (thankfully) come Architectural Genocide, a relatively new Brutal Death band from Texas, home of Slam legends Devourment. Architectural Genocide formed in 2017, quickly thereafter releasing a demo the following year. Luck appears in the bands favour as they have been quickly snapped up by Comatose Music for their debut release, Cordyceptic Anthropomorph. Perhaps mainly due to the links to Desecrate The Faith and Execration of which the band shares an ex-members. Regardless of their contractual happenings the band are here, and it’s up to the likes of me to decide upon their worth.

The album kicks off pretty quick with Spires Of Mangled Tissue. Straight into thundering blast beat pounding drums, thick muddy guitars and guttural, yet traditional 90’s style vocals. The track is sure to open the gates of Slam as well with its slower portions, an element that really lends this album to the old school in the best way possible. There appears to be no let-up either as Hallucinogenic Demise and Dominate And Proliferate continue to exude old school BDM flare whilst retaining a great sense of entertainment, top notch Slam infused Brutal Death. The latter being perhaps one of the stronger tracks on the record with some truly putrid vocal moments in the guttural squeals of sorts, it has to be heard to be imagined.

Thankfully the ideals and themes displayed (at least for me) carry well into the second half of the album as Gorge On Deceased takes charge. The tracks vile pinch harmonics and dirty vocals only add to the festering heap of classic Brutal Death influence, truly I feel like I’m back in 09 hearing Brutal Death for the first time. There are seldom any moments when this record ceases to impress, this is exactly how Brutal Death should be. It touches upon Slam and upon more OSDM themes at times to create what can only be described as Brutal Death Metal in the truest sense. Coming to a climactic close the album finishes with Burgeoning Necrosis, a massive banger that I can only commend, standing ovation for Architectural Genocide please!

Do you ever come across an album and just assume by its cover or band name that it isn’t all the special? Of course you do, we all do. I’m a pretty firm believer in judging a book by its cover, but in this instance I was wrong. Whilst there is nothing bad about this albums image or even the bands name, it isn’t all the exciting. Upon receiving this record my only reliance was upon the strength of Comatose Music’s roster, and again it shows that this label demand quality. If you want a potential contender for Brutal Death Metal record of the year, then look no further than Cordyceptic Anthropomorph.

(10/10 George Caley)

https://www.facebook.com/architecturalgenocide

https://comatosemusic.bandcamp.com/album/cordyceptic-anthropomorph