There’s always a time and place for thinking outside of the box and going for something that goes against the grain in a big way, but there’s nothing that can compare to a tried-and-true approach done with tact and nuance. Metal is no exception to that reality. Where anything can become possible, it can easily be the already mapped out territories that can be the most invigorating to visit over and over again given there’s the right talent to freshen the view and allow you to experience it all again for what it can still become. With death metal, there’s no shortage of acts coming out of the woodwork to try their hand at bringing about such grotesque splendor, and Last Retch is certainly one of the more successful embodiments of the concept.

Given enough time and patience, it feels right to say that any band can make something that really encapsulates the ideals of whatever genre we’re dealing with. However, it’s every now and then that we’re presented with a force that doesn’t need much time whatsoever and is able to pursue a sound that delivers in practically every aspect be it in terms of themes, craftsmanship, passion, or all of them in one fell swoop. For all intents and purposes, what Last Retch offers within their second opus of undeath, “Abject Cruelty”, is nothing short of filthy death metal that never misses so much as a beat when it comes to pulverizing the listener and forcing them to become addicted to such overwhelming madness. Simplistic in its approach yet always hiding some nefarious excellence under its sleeves, timed for the right moment to strike, the backdrop of a society decaying at an extreme speed with the very buildings melting away by the power of Last Retch truly visualizes the aural nastiness that’s at work throughout “Abject Cruelty”. Short bursts of fury that gloriously hearken back to the old schools of death metal through immense riffs and loads of intrigue that are always tempting you further into this crumbling city where life becomes synonymous with apex suffering. If it’s not the hooks that drag you back for more, then it’s the undeniable factor of infectious horror that will force you to return to “Abject Cruelty” for this is exquisite terror the likes of which many are constantly salivating for!

Straightforwardness can seem like an obvious answer to many, but it is not always something that can be so easily thrown down. In many ways, it can sometimes be even more difficult given that a good quality riff isn’t easily thrown down nor do the teachings of the old school come about in a way that feels natural when crafted by newer hands that were not there for the original lessons. With that all being said, Last Retch is clearly a group of disciples dedicated to preserving that craft with “Abject Cruelty” a testament to their passion and might in such gruesome form that one cannot help but gravitate towards this insanity like a madman lured by the call of the void.

“Abject Cruelty” releases on September 26th via Time to Kill Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Abject Cruelty” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

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