Abyssalis "Adaptation" (Review)

Abyssalis Adaptation

2025 Transcending Obscurity Records (CD)

tometal.com

6/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is wickedly technical brutality, and with a monster of a vocalist that has perfected a rapid-fire delivery over top the quick twists and turns of the music. There is melody and guitar harmony in all the madness here, and it's quite original sounding. This is a little too technical for me, really, although I really enjoy when they take a moment and inject some heaviness or melody into the tornado of tech death. Fans of 2000s technical death metal like Necrophagist may be enamored with this release. Clearly this band is immensely talented and I have no idea how in the world they remember how to play stuff this complex. I'm sure it's not easy! I could listen to this for the vocals alone, however, since the vocalist is sick as fuck, with his deep-chested roars and the ability to rattle off words like a machine gun. This is worth your time if you're into the technical side of death metal.

Necromonger "Abyssal Flesh Construct" (Review)

Necromonger Abyssal Flesh Construct

2025 SBDC Records (CD)

sbdcstore.com

4/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is the second full length from this Canadian deathmachine, this time on Russia's SBDC Records. It's heavy and slamming but not overly simplistic. The vocals are guttural without being silly - sort of like an evil-ass reptile. However, there's not a lot of power behind them, but that's down to the singing style, most likely. They remind me just slightly of the UK's Amputated, just without the varied song structures. It's cleanly produced stuff, which goes a long way toward making this style more memorable. This is total caveman metal. The problem I have with so many of these bands, this one included, is that there's very little to distinguish them from one another. The double bass under the faster parts helps a little bit. By the fifth song this really starts blending together with the overabundance of slam riffs, unfortunately. I wanted this to be better, but it's instead just another slam act.

Tombseeker "Tombseeker" (Review)

Tombseeker Tombseeker

2026 Iron Fortress Records (CD)

ironfortressrecords.com

9/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

I'm always wary of bands that proclaim themselves devotees of the HM-2 sound, since it's been done to death, but I should have had no qualms here. As I should have expected, the folks at Iron Fortress seem to have the same ear for death metal that I do - I find most of their releases exceptional, and this is...well... no exception. Tombseeker takes the sound of the old gods of Sweden and injects originality, brutality, and quality songwriting into the mix, to devastating results. Big chunky riffs made of lead and murder abound. Heavy-ass breakdowns are added to the time-honored sound for an ultra-heavy take on the style. When they slow things down this way they rely on heaviness and groove, which they employ masterfully. They're not afraid of blastbeats, either, which serves to set them apart from the legions of bands playing this style in lesser forms, and the quality of their songwriting shines in every track as well as having a multitude of hooks in every song. At the risk of being superficial, I wanted to remark that this band even looks the part, dressed in full on denim and leather in their promo photo, which is nice to see. This is a very refreshing take on an old style, and an excellent effort overall, and I expect I'll be plunking down some cash for this one eventually to add it to my collection. It's truly a fine record.

New World Depression "Abysmal Void" (Review)

New World Depression Abysmal Void

2025 Testimony Records (CD/LP)

facebook.com/testimonyrecords

5/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

Here we have the seventh (!) record from this German squad. This is well-recorded, well-performed death metal, but it misses the mark for me. The melodic parts are definitely a throwback to 1990s melodic death metal like At The Gates, and so are certain aspects of the vocals. They have weird, whiny inflection a lot like Lindberg's vocals did, and not everyone can pull that off without sounding grating. It takes a while to get used to this while listening to this record. The slower parts are much like something Amon Amarth would offer, but there are blastbeats here to offset. This lacks some intensity that good death metal ought to have, it's quite plodding. That said, the album does strengthen as it goes along, with a few interesting riffs like the tune "Spoils of War." That is truly heavy. If mid-paced death metal is your thing, you could do worse, but it didn't do anything for me other than a couple of songs.

Voorhees "4" (Review)

Voorhees 4

2025 Fetzner Death Records (CD/CS), Crypt of Gore (LP)

fetznerdeathrecords.de

8/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is slasher-obsessed death/thrash with dueling high-low vocals in many places, in the vein of Ghoul or Frightmare, but leaning much more into the death metal side of the style. This is quite American-sounding for a French band. Heavy thrashing breakdowns break up with speedier parts, reminding me of Jungle Rot or Obituary at times. Relentless double bass drumming abounds, lending an intensity to the proceedings. Clear diction on the part of the singer makes the lyrics quite understandable, and he reminds me of Johnny from Unleashed quite a bit. The guitars are played with pure down-picked attitude to match the aggression of the drums, and they produce some truly vicious riffs like the breakdown in "Pazuzu." I like chunky, thrashing death metal, so this definitely scratches an itch for me. "Scream Again" is probably my favorite track, starting with an absolute beast of a riff, which they play smart and ride that sucker for all it's worth. They also have an excellent sense of melody when it's called for, where guitar solos and harmonies are concerned. I was impressed with this release overall, and I recommend it to all the deathmaniacs out there reading this.

Combat Noise "30 Years of Cuba Death Metal" (Review)

Combat Noise 30 Years of Cuba Death Metal

2025 Satanath Records (CD)

satanath.com

7/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

Originating in the mid-1990s, this may well be the only relatively well-known death metal act from Cuba. This release features a re-recorded selection from their past releases, picking the best tracks and updating the sound. This is all done in service of their thirty year anniversary. The tracks are well-recorded and well-played, with a nice warm production and a nice even mix. Their style, if you are not familiar, is reminiscent of the Floridian death metal bands of the 1990s, but with a darkness all their own and an intensity that only true death metal bands can attain. Hair-windmilling riffs abound here. The thing I like the best about releases like this is that  the songs tend to be of the highest quality, since the band is picking their best works. It's honestly also a great place to start with their discography if you haven't ever heard them, since you'll hear songs from across the history of the band. I can't remember if I ever wrote these guys back in the '90s, but I seem to recall a letter or two being exchanged. I can't be sure, it was so long ago. Make sure to pick this up if you enjoy quality death metal played with skill and emotion, and want to explore the history of the band.

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.

Necrogenesis "Desire for Murder" (Review)

Necrogenesis Desire for Murder

2025 Coyote Records (CD)

coyoterecords.ru

9/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is the second release and first full length for this Russian death mob. They're clearly heavily influenced by Cannibal Corpse, both in riffs and vocals, specifically the Barnes era. That doesn't detract from what is essentially a solid death metal record. Instead of whipping up into a blast all the time, we get killer breakdown after killer breakdown between the verses, each with monster grooves and great riffs. When this band does introduce a blast beat they hit you right in the face with it and then pound you with another heavy-ass breakdown. They're very skilled songwriters that know the power and value of a good hook. The more the album progresses the clearer it is to me that these are some damn fine musicians as well, with plenty of talent and technique. The drummers rolls and fills are superb and add a lot to the music on his own. If you don't mind something stylistically close to Cannibal Corpse that is nonetheless awesome, this is an album to track down.

Dawn of Ash "Descend into Violence" (Review)

Dawn of Ash Descend into Violence

2025 Independent (Digital) / Iron Fortress (CS)

dawnofash.bandcamp.com

6/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is the first release, an EP, from this San Antonio death squad. It's a seamless mixture of brutal death metal and hardcore - the hardcore in their sound tempers the songwriting and anchors it with catchy breakdowns. The vocals remind me a lot of Frank Mullen, but with a bit of "tough guy" in the sound. This is yet another band that reminds me of Catalepsy from the Heralds of Oblivion compilation from 1993, and I don't mind. They're one of my favorites from that release, so when bands carry on a sound, whether intentional or not, I like it. The drums specifically are perfectly recorded for this style, with a nice natural sound and a lot of pop on the snare. This won't be every deathmaniac's cup of tea, but it sure is mine. I say this because they're geared quite a bit toward hardcore in their sound. I just wish the songs were slightly more intense with some faster tempos occasionally, since they spend most of their time mid-paced. Overall, not bad for a first release, and I look forward to more from them.

Metaphobic "Deranged Excruciations" (Review)

Metaphobic Deranged Excruciations

2025 Everlasting Spew Records (CD/LP/CS)

everlastingspew.com

7/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is the first full length from this Atlanta death squad. It's brutal, always-on-the-attack death metal with croaking, guttural vocals and riffs that swirl around your head. They break things down into a groove at the best possible times and deliver bone-crushing results when doing it. Melody finally presents itself at the beginning of the second track, "Mental Deconstruction." The vocals are cavernous, but not without thought and intent, and there are proper vocal patterns. There's almost a black metal feel to the third track, "Execration," which has a cold, unholy feel to the riffs before it transcends into death metal territory again. Some of the things they're doing musically evade my ability to describe properly, but are quite unique. The riffs seem to run at angles sometimes, rather than in a straight line. There are some really interesting approaches here. Proper songwriting tempers the wild musicianship, though, and this is thoroughly catchy. This is one to watch if you want something a bit different.

Necrofetus "Demonic Necrotic Contamination" (Review)

Necrofetus Demonic Necrotic Contamination

2025 Independent (Digital)

thetruenecrofetus.bandcamp.com

3/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is the first and only EP from Necrofetus from Alabama. This is a fairly amateur attempt at a death metal record, with songs that are more like chained-together riffs than arranged music. The riffs tend to plod on for too long, drums following them like they're stuck together with glue. The vocals have no real patterns, just growls overtop riffs for the most part, but in time to the music, of course. There are a few moments that give this project some hope, like the few standout riffs scattered through the songs. There are flashes of something more, something special. It's not the most awful thing I've ever heard, especially as first releases go, but it's not awesome, either. Back to the drawing board for this band.

Unknown Subject "Democracies Die!" (Review)

Unknown Subject Democracies Die!

2025 Independent (Digital)

unknownsbjct.bandcamp.com

7/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is not what I expected from Finland. This is wickedly technical death metal with a beast of a vocalist who sounds remarkably like Corpsegrinder. It's technical, yes, but not to the point of being masturbatory. The songs are craftily written, and this is one band that's not afraid of repeating a great riff. They use proper verses and choruses, as well. Some clean vocals creep into the tracks, much like Emperor's use of them, but they only add to the music, rather than detract from the brutality. They're usually added with a darkly melodic passage and they're used sparingly. Cannibal Corpse's recent work is clearly an influence on this band, and you can hear it all through their songs. The vocals are fucking strong - every bit as clearly produced and understandable as Corpsegrinder's, with the singer's own little inflections. The patterns are incredibly well done, punchy and rhythmic, adding to the power of the music. I love music with a good vocalist, and this one really does the job.

Ligament "Demo MMXXV" (Review)

Ligament Demo MMXXV

2025 Headsplit Records

headsplitrecords.blogspot.com

7/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

Hailing from the scummy depths of Ohio's scene comes Ligament, purveyors of vicious grinding death metal and goregrind. The vocals are layered with effects and pitch-shifted to the depths of hell for the most part. Cannibal Corpse is a clear influence, as can be heard from the riffs in "Feast for the Legions," but it has but the slightest bearing on their overall sound. Carcass influence, however, is rife here, in the dirtiness of the production to the way the instruments sound. Catchy-as-fuck riffs make for memorable song amid all the blasting. For some crazy reason some of their riffs and more oddball vocal choices remind me of Schnauzer, Jim Konya's wacky thrash/hardcore project. This makes sense since these guys are from the Cleveland scene (members of Noxis and Inoculation are involved). One of the things I like the most is the super-fast rolls the drummer uses as fills, especially between blasts. He's fun to hear.

Cthonica "Bone Altars of the Vanished Sun" (Review)

Cthonica Bone Altars of the Vanished Sun

2025 Independent (Digital) / Profaner Records (CS)

cthonica777.bandcamp.com

6/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is the third full length from this Venezuelan cult. They play a brutal, grinding black/death hybrid that falls more on the death metal side of the equation. Downtuned, chainsaw-like guitars and fast-as-fuck blast beats pound away relentlessly. The drum sound is full of pop and is super smooth, capturing the frantic work behind the kit flawlessly. The blasts are almost the speed of a band like Brodequin. There's as much evidence to claim Grave influence as there is Conqueror or Revenge here - it lies in both wheelhouses. The vocals are deep and cavernous, sometimes croaking, adding morbid texture to the music. Shorter songs would help this band out a lot. The first track is over nine minutes long and I just don't like long tracks - they do, however, take care to try to keep it interesting. They don't always succeed, but they get close. For instance, one track is nearly thirteen minutes long, but it's split up into sections by adding little interludes. Why not just a separate song? It seems an odd creative decision.

Purging "Demo" (Review)

Purging Demo

2025 Independent (Digital)/Noxious Ruin Records (CS)

purgingdeath.bandcamp.com

7/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

This is incredibly heavy, dark death metal from California with heavy grooves and infectious songwriting. It has a claustrophobic production that really helps to elevate their personality. This is what I want from dark death metal, not another Incantation clone. I want great riffs, groove, and a cloying production, but without sounding like it was recorded in a goddamn cave. There are plenty of great riffs without compromising the dark atmosphere. They have an aspect of brutal death metal to their sound also, which manifests in fast blast beats and unusual arrangements, as well as some guttural vocals. This is powerful stuff, and the vocalist is suitably powerful as well. I loved the little Gorguts-style grunt at the end of "Cymatic Bludgeoning." On "Magnificent Hallucinations," the guitarist gets to show off a bit, adding textures and melody during the slow start of the song, which is nearly nine minutes long, and the meat of the song doesn't start until about the five-minute mark. I would have put a faster song after this, but they chose to keep it slower with "Savage Butchery," although it kicks up a bit as the song progresses.