Chronic Hate--Defeating the Oblivion of Life (CD/LP) {2026 Time to Kill Records}

timetokill-records.com

7/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is the third full length and first new recording in five years from this Italian band. They remind me a little of the mighty Diabolic with their straight-ahead style and technical drumming, and perhaps a little of Morbid Angel at times, too. The guitars have a little of that sludginess to them that Morbid Angel is known for. The vocals are fuckin' brutal, with low growls from deep in the chest, evoking power and hate. The production is perfect, not overly digital sounding, but modern and clear like a band like this ought to have. They also clearly take some influence from black metal and it shows up occasionally in their songs. The musical ability of this band is far beyond what a lot of death metal bands can muster, and they don't let showing off affect the songwriting. They play well and write well. This is not a release to simply gloss over if you're paying attention to death metal - you should hear it at least once.

Putrid Offal--Obliterated Life (CD/LP/CS) {2025 Time to Kill Records}

www.timetokill-records.com

10/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is the band's third full length and first in five years. They play intense and violent death metal with a distinct grindcore influence that seems to stem from some early Carcass influence. The riffs are incredibly well thought out, optimized for maximum possible violent intention. This is clearly a seasoned and proficient band with ample songwriting skills, and a welcome addition to my collection because of that. Songwriting is a fading skill in the scene, and I'm glad this band hasn't forgotten how it should be. The songs never let up the intensity, working blasts around the grooves for optimal catchiness, and the band remains ultra-heavy while doing it. The vocals are a barrage of high and low dueling vocals with the low vocals taking priority in most songs. This is an absolutely perfect record in every way, and I recommend tracking it down immediately.

Scorching Tomb--Ossuary (CD/LP/CS) {2025 Time to Kill Records}

www.timetokill-records.com

10/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

I'll say it again - I'm a fan of the new wave of death metal bands that are taking inspiration from the masters and updating the sound in ways they see fit. Scorching Tomb fits right in with acts like Sanguisugabogg and 200 Stab Wounds with big chunky riffs and lots of groove to get your ass moving, all the while not losing their sinister edge. They temper all the groove with plenty of straight-ahead death metal that hearkens back to the masters of old like Obituary and Jungle Rot. The vocalist uses primarily a deep, powerful death growl that's quite understandable even without accompanying lyrics in front of me. His patterns are top notch, very rhythmic, and they elevate the music above the level of just ok, to must-hear. The riffs are also nonstop heavy-as-fuck, and they grind away at your ears while making you want to move. That's what good death metal should do. This is one seriously heavy bastard of a record, and I will be adding this to my collection soon. A perfect death metal album.

Last Retch "Abject Cruelty" (Review)

Last Retch Abject Cruelty

2025 Time to Kill Records (CD/LP/CS)

timetokill-records.com

9/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

Last Retch comes from Canada, and this is their second full-length. We like to cover bands with references to puke here at Ominous Vomit, so Last Retch was an immediate must-listen. They play uncomplicated but highly effective 1990s style death metal with lots of heavy grooves and neck-snapping riffs. I say "uncomplicated" but that doesn't mean overly simple or basic - these guys have chops and tons of songwriting talent. Their vocalist is very strong, with an incredibly rich-sounding growl, deep and sonorous, with killer vocal patterns. I could listen to his vocals all day - his sound is unique and powerful, turning in a masterful performance. I like his vocals as much as I like the vocals on old Grave records, and if you know me, that is high praise. The focus here is on the heavy, not fast or technical, although there is plenty of ability. They do heavy extremely well. Last Retch has a unique sound that is not easily comparable to other bands in the genre, and that's a feat in and of itself. This album is worth your hard-earned dollars.