The vast depths of the death metal underworld will always have plenty of names throughout its reaches that are always more deserving to be held in higher regards, but the density of the scene itself serves as an ironic counter to such a thing happening more often. Of all the names that I’ve come across in years that are more than deserving of being more widespread for their particular brand of undeath and unholy greatness, Eternal Rot is definitely one of the first that come to mind. Since their debut five years ago with “Cadaverine”, Eternal Rot is a name that death metal excavators should consider themselves lucky to have come across, and it’s been far too long since the international act has presented us with a new slab of madness for us to lose ourselves in. Three years since their last full-length and two after their outing with Coffins, Eternal Rot’s return is a viciously welcome one.

Already, seeing that “Moribound” stands as the longest Eternal Rot creation to date is a great sign of what’s to come even if it is only by a five-minute gap. More is rarely a bad thing in cases like this and Eternal Rot is no exception as it is with all that they’ve brought to the table with their third full-length album that we’re able to witness a staggering creation of unfettered undead ferocity, heaviness, and intoxication that it makes you wonder how Eternal Rot could have delivered anything else. The act has always been nothing to underestimate, but it is every way that each facet of Eternal Rot comes to a head within the six tracks of “Moribound” to where there’s a clear argument for this to be hailed as the band’s crowning achievement thus far. The very definition of visceral and some of the heaviest yet amazingly catchy death metal that I’ve heard in this vein of the sound, Eternal Rot fucking dominates at every turn! Not a single moment of reprieve throughout the absolute entirety of “Moribound”, this is far more than death metal that grips your throat and never once lets go. Rather, every moment of this vicious performance can only be likened to that of the most brutal of guttings where you helplessly flail to keep your entrails, your hands instantly becoming tainted by your blood, and there’s naught left in this pathetic world but the singular realization that there was never any true escape from the rot. The unyielding intensity of Eternal Rot has always been a key factor of their sound with it coming to grand fruition in this six tracks that make “Moribound” the most unforgiving and entrancing work of the sound that I’ve heard in far too long.

I never had any doubts as to the very power of Eternal Rot’s filthy necromancy, but few things could have prepared me for the six unholy testaments that are summoned forth to bring this record into undeath. This is peak death metal the likes of which many strive for, but extremely few are able to bring to the table with any sort of real competency and prowess. It’s only fitting that Eternal Rot would deliver a creation such a this with every possible shred of “Moribound” showing us all that this band is still capable of, and I’m convinced now more than ever that this is a band that demands to have its name known throughout the global crypt of death metal. But, if it were to remain in a dark, forgotten corner where only a few lucky acolytes are aware of such unholy magnificence then I would be okay with that as well.

“Moribound” releases on July 24th via Godz ov War Productions and Memento Mori!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Moribound”, “Desecrated Guts”, on Bandcamp here or via YouTube below.

LIKE Eternal Rot on Facebook here.