Reading the back of the booklet that comes with the CD version of this new album is a real eye opener. In a frank and to the point statement, Morgue, a French Death/Grind band state that this album is everything the last one should have been if they had had a better drummer, but also takes on board some of the guilt about this before moving on. Their last album, ‘Doors of No return’ was released back in 2016 and since then a Pandemic has been and gone, as has drummer Jean-Michel Marlier. It is now Max Lobier who takes on the drumming responsibilities, on top of his guitar and vocal work.

‘Lowest Depths of Misery’ is the band’s fourth full length album release in a history dating back to their inception in 1997, and their new opus has been put out on all formats by Godz ov War Productions. There can be no slating of the drumming on this release. They batter and brutalise from moment one and their power and dexterity is unwavering. As well as that, there is a foreboding clinging foulness that attaches itself to the guitar leads that combines well with the punishing bass play and brutal drumming to give off an unyielding aura of misery and destruction.

As well as having an unforgiving rampaging sound, Morgue also excel at creative intensive, grinding guitar based melodies that tunnel and channel their way through the core of the album, with tracks such as ‘Polar Aftermath’ in particular giving off a deep seated vibe of gloom and bleakness that some Death Metal bands simply can’t hope to match.

At thirty minutes length exactly, this is an album that makes its point forcefully and directly and then leaves without out staying its welcome. That half an hour is one of extreme pummelling Death/Grind with no let up! I reckon Morgue will be a lot happier with themselves after this offering.

(7.5/10 Marksson)

https://www.facebook.com/official.morgue

https://godzovwarproductions.bandcamp.com/album/lowest-depths-of-misery