Slam is far too influenced by outside resources these days. I mean I love Tech, I don’t mind (or at least tolerate) Deathcore and I can see why bands want to try something new. That said I really think Slam is one of those genres that should just be left alone. At its purist it’s borderline the most perfect genre ever with a formula that simply cannot be denied. Quite frankly if you don’t like Slam and you’re into Metal then you must just be a bit boring really because it’s the ultimate music to have a wild party to. Then again, I know a lot of Metalheads find fun false, so perhaps I’ve answered the question there.
One label that is always sure to please in the Brutal Death category is the mighty Comatose Music, I trust them an awful lot when it comes to this genre. So, I was naturally intrigued when Focal Dystonia came on the scene. The band is comprised of Florent Duployer of most notably Cenotaph and Floor Van Kuijk of Carnifloor and more. Then I question where is the vocalist? Well, there are twelve of them! All guests ranging from Don Campan, Larry Wang, Mats Funderud, Mallika Sundaramurthy and so many more, this is a huge roster. So how will the band’s debut full length Descending (In)Human Flesh pan out with this stacked line up?
There’s no messing about as we go straight into Ascending Thy Abhorrent Gods with breakneck Grind ferocity and speed. This all tinged with ultra-guttural BDM vocals and cheeky little pinch harmonics is a delight to my ears. There’s almost a Disfiguring The Goddess notion to the vocals, I can get behind that. As has been noted there are no less than twelve vocalists on this album, all guests, it makes for a pretty interesting listen especially when like me vocals are a big draw. Anatomy Of Animosity projects some huge Slam influence and I’m all over that, this record is pulled straight from 08 and I dig it. Everlasting Diabolic Seizures continues this trend, honestly this album is filthy and would on my radio show (Dark Tryal, look it up) be deemed as ‘norty’, ‘propa norty’ in fact.
Getting into the second half of the album my hammer is still firmly aloft for The Glacial Distorted Bone. Again, there is no time wasting or pontificated self-importance, straight in and with devastating effects, not to mention some delightfully toilet influenced vocals. I also particularly enjoy the drum patterns in this track, great stuff. Honestly the lack of interludes really amps up the brutality of this record, going into Neurotic Depravity we find ourselves continually bulldozed by some of the most downright barbaric music I’ve heard in some time, honestly it makes me question why I would listen to anything but Slam (and Iron Maiden). The final closing title track isn’t a disappointment either, keeping up that pace and snappy brutality for one final push. When the music ends all falls silent and you have to remove your jaw from the floor, stunning.
This is a big record, like really big, a perfect representation of the Brutal Death Metal community at large. It features many big names, powerful songwriting and absolutely no buggering about. Sometimes to create something truly different you need not reinvent the wheel. This is proof that actually a lot of the time the most unique is the one that stands their ground. Maybe you’re the kind of person who shuns BDM or Slam because of the Deathcore ties, well I challenge you in this instance to give this album a go, it’ll surely change your mind, you’ll be wearing flat peak caps and basketball shorts in no time, join us!
(9/10 George Caley)
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