Sometimes I think that modern Death Metal, like standard Death Metal can be a bit boring. It’s kind of like replicating something which already blew up in a less exciting fashion. Similar to the modern Thrash boom that appeared spearheaded by Earache some years ago. That said there will always be certain bands that come out of these weird resurgences with a bit of weight and today we’re talking about one of them.

That’s right we’re heading to Finland today for Corpsessed the titanic Death/ Doom modern heavyweights. The bands Impetus Of Death record really impressed me and left me wanting for more. Since my review of this prior effort I’ve grown to appreciate the band further and in fact Impetus would likely get a higher score from me now that it has had time to ferment. Outside of this 2018 effort the band have been a little quiet save for their remixed, re-recorded version of their debut Beyond Abysmal Thresholds (although I’m not much one for this kind of thing). Anyway here we are in 2022 with what I would call the bands third full length Succumb To Rot!

The opening titular track is short and to the point. Killer riffs and vocals displayed in a very evil and generally introductory manner. Is it needed or particularly exciting? Not as such, it builds anticipation I guess but in reality just give me Death Metal proper! Luckily Relentless Entropy kicks up the drums and gets the carnage flowing. Corpsessed really represent modern OSDM perfectly, that sort of barbaric Incantation style blended with elements of BDM and almost early Thrash production. Referencing Incantation once again there is a sort of Doom/ cavernous vibe to this release too, very trudging, noisy and dissonant. A brilliant example of such influence would be Spiritual Malevolence, a huge, epic journey that is sure to impress and is likely one of the highlights of the whole record.

Calling Void takes things back to a more traditional OSDM place, however I have to say it somewhat loses its charm when compared to the more niche styling of Corpsessed. That said the album quickly reverts to a crushing state with Sublime Indignation, further gritty, dirty Death Metal to please the senses. Profane Phlegm and closing track Pneuma Akathartos also give us more of the fresher barbarity that makes Corpsessed all the more unique. Genuinely innovative Death Metal that doesn’t break away from tradition, a hard feat to pull off for sure.

I can’t say the album is all killer no filler because quite frankly there are duller moments, or at least moments which don’t warrant much revisitation. For the most part though Succumb To Rot is a full on Metal assault. Full of evil and destructive riffs that don’t really strike me as modern, yet somehow it is? Maybe Corpsessed are just exceptionally good at writing powerful Death Metal, whatever the case may be, I implore you to give it a listen.

(8/10 George Caley)

https://www.facebook.com/Corpsessed

https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/succumb-to-rot