2024 Independent / CD
fuckhammer.bandcamp.com
BADASS SONG TITLES: Curse of the Crimson Altar
BADASS TRACKS: Crisis Generator, Irregularities (perhaps the
best one), Unmerciful Sisters, Curse of the Crimson Altar
I was delighted to see this band does have a limited CD
version of this album. Digital-only releases never made sense to me if you’re
an active band. So many metalists buy physical formats still that you really
need to have it available in some physical format if you’re a serious band. But
on to the music.
Fuckhammer from Ireland and Northern Ireland plays a deft
mix of sludge, crust, and death metal, but with their own unique sound and
approach, perhaps a bit reminiscent of later Carcass in their more death metal
moments. The vocals are mostly in a savage mid- to high-pitch growl, a bit like
Jeff Walker. I also hear a bit of perhaps Amebix or Axegrinder in their sound. There
are samples scattered about that really add to the record, as well. Each song
is well-written and well-structured, and clearly they’ve spent quite some time
together as a band honing their craft. All the sources I see say 2011 was their
first release, with a full-length in 2013 and now this one in 2024, with plenty
of singles and a split in between.
Interestingly, there is some almost psychedelic playing on
display during the interlude of Curse of the Crimson Altar while the film
sample is playing. A very nice touch, as was the doom-laden ending to the soon,
using repetition to great effect. The album overall is a well-recorded
performance with melody in some unexpected places, but not out of place. I
liked the record, and I’ll be watching to see what they do next.
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