This is OSDM from Slovakia, the band have recorded output since 2010, this is their third full length release and I am not familiar with their earlier material.
Starting with ‘Living Dead’ there is a strong European flavour, similar to my eyes to the likes of Demiurg (Swe) Paganizer etc., a heavy HM2 sound with modernised production and a rabid groove likes past masters Entombed (yep a very easy plug!). ‘Zombie Influence’ steps into the US and Florida for inspiration, there are many different time signatures at play, some come out of nowhere, it keeps you alert and have a sinister pleasure of the unpredictable. ‘Violence’ comes with much of the former tracks attributes repeated. Perhaps when listening, this is where I find a touch of complacency through some of the repetitive nature of the arrangements. That said, it’s not boring, it is consistent.
‘Last Chance’ reeks of Bolt Thrower groove mixed with a more extreme splattering of aggression in places, much as part of the modern scene. This band doesn’t rely solely on heritage, they are expansive in their influences and display these to good effect. ‘Death in You’ riff driven and groovy then you have a more modern approach with ‘Terror at Night’, I would take some melodic death metal modernisation in this one too, some almost maiden-esq riffs part way through, similar to some Dismember material.
All in all, the package is consistent, the album is stylistic enough to not be a dedicated OSDM hero worship effort, and hero worship gets a touch monotonous after a time. Surgery are a band you wouldn’t perhaps pick up, but I’d recommend them, it’s not setting the world to rights, but its enjoyable. For streamers, it has a presence on some online streaming platforms, but I would always recommend physical product myself.
(7.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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