Gruesome
Fragments of Psyche
(Relapse Records)
Gruesome have captured the very roots of death metal with Fragments of Psyche. Not only does it pay homage to Death with a cover of “Choke On It”, but the five demo recordings on the EP are out of this world with bone crushing riffs and lacerating leads. If you’ve heard Gruesome’s earlier work, then you’re probably familiar with the content, but these demo recordings are very refreshing.
Gruesome are fit to be the extension of Death’s legacy. The buzzsaw guitar playing is thick with a groove that is reminiscent of Scream Bloody Gore and Spiritual Healing. All of the songwriting is spot on; there’s no fluff or filler here, and never does Fragments of Psyche sound like a cheap imitation.
The single is a face ripping introduction and a powerful statement, Florida death metal is not forgotten. The addition of Sean Reinert on the drums is the perfect element that captures what really makes the style so special; clockwork timing and groove thrown into a twisting maelstrom of face ripping neck breaking riffs. This track takes no prisoners and savagely attacks with ferocious vigor.
