One of the great aspects of metal is the vast amount of sub genres. Sure, some can get fairly ridiculous, and the labeling seems to become more of a game rather than cataloging. One genre in particular that has one of the most passionate fan bases is Brutal Death Metal. Now, some of you will stop reading here. There will be no judgment, it is a very dark, gory corner of metal that many steer away from when stumbling down that youtube hole of metal. As JP so elegantly puts it in step one of Heavy Metal Virgin: "1.) Take it slow and play safe. My best advice (like with sex) is don't go too hard-core right away. You don't try to get your 18-yearold, virginal, girl/boy-friend into bed by suggesting nipple-rings, leather and bondage on his/her first date! Likewise you don't try to get a metal virgin into metal by taking them to an Exhumed/Mortician concert and throwing them into the Pit! Both are likely to end in failure and no one any has fun, which is what it is supposed to be all about." Entire article. Practical advice when examining brutal death, some may simply not have the stomach for it.
Over the years my interest in brutal death has slowly grown, this review has been a while in the works, and once Trevor Strnad posted his excellent piece on New Standard Elite, I thought what better timing. The underbelly of metal is slowly rotating its bloated pale face and secreting its fermented formaldehyde. Many of us have been partaking from this chalice, but soon, many more will be infected.
In 2011, Iniquitous Deeds was formed. There's no telling of what deeds were performed in order to sanction the brutality that is released on Incessant Hallucinations, but I'm sure the tranquil paradise that was Walnut Creek, California is well aware by now. This four man machine reveals a delightful technical twist to brutal death metal. With precision, they execute well timed transitions, and even incorporate some odd timing. It's not your typical slam album, where one can easily groove to many tracks. There are only around two noticeable grooves on the entire album, and the rest of it, you're left with mind melting technical brutality.
The production is fairly clean, which is fine for their technical approach, otherwise, deciphering segments would remain un-cracked. The drums exceed expectations, the riveting snare pings are focused as if attempting to raise the dead. The guttural vocals done by Mike are indecipherable, which means he's doing it right. Over all, Incessant Hallucinations is a great album. The band has only one prior EP release, and to be at the level they are at now, indicates future products will continue beating the life out of you.
If you're a fan of brutal death metal, you already own this album, if not, give it a shot. This might not be the best introduction to brutal death, but it sure is a heavy beast that when released will torment your soul until you ask for more. Let the infection begin.
This album was released by New Standard Elite on May 31st, 2015.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4DS3hRp2Zc[/youtube]
