Here is a death metal band from New Zealand, which return after a decade. Their debut EP 'Unleash the Vermin' from 2011 featured five songs, and now we get six. However, two shortest ones are instrumentals. I do not know if it's the lack of composition during all these years, or whether the band want to make a pithy statement.

'Bleeding and Vehement' offer anything from blasting speeds to mid-paced, or slower, stomping. This feels like an amalgamation of US and Polish technical and fast style, something akin to Hate Eternal and Lost Soul. It is hard to find anything unique here, but Plague Of The Fallen are capable for sure. Still, it feels like the band played it a tad safe. While the songs more or less short-ish, they can include quite a few parts inside, and there's no denying that the band was playing safe as there are loads of twists happening throughout. It must be mentioned, that the music definitely does not stagnate at any point, but it is not easy stay on-board.

The guitars can be kibbling and grinding, offering truly heavy riffage, but also offer higher tremolo bursts. Not every song includes a lead or a solo, but they are well placed when they happen. It is bruising, to say the least. The bass guitar makes metallic clanking and is loud in the mix, building a sturdy backbone with the drums. There are some cool tricks on every instrument to show it off a bit. The production is strong, somewhat clinical; suited for the apocalyptic vibe. The vocals are upper throat growl, being rather beastly.

'Bleeding and Vehement' is a devastating modern death metal EP. If it lacks of characteristics, it doesn't lack of madness. If you want to grab it on CD, there's only 200 copies done, so act fast.

Rating: 7- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/25/2021 18:26