British slam/brutal death metal outfit Engorgement having finally delivered their second album, some 14 years on from their debut, ‘Excruciating Intestinal Lacerations’. There have been some line-up shifts over the years, but founders Richard (bass) and singer Stu Hine (who was originally guitarist but switched roles in 2014) are still there, along with long-time drummer Mitch Rider and new guitarist Ricky Hill. I did get caught out when “Keep Festering” kicked in like a heart attack after the quite reflective “Prelude to Your Dismemberment” (even though I was expecting it), and from here on in we get the punishing attack one would expect from a band who are heavily influenced by Suffocation and Dying Fetus.
There are plenty of tempo shifts which provides the contrast one needs when confronted with a wall of sound, switching of riffs and plenty of aggression. They knew just what they needed in the production front and this was mixed and mastered by Floor Van Kuijk, guitarist with Korpse, Acidwound, Carnifloor and others, and he has ensured everything is being pushed to the limits. In many ways it feels like we are back in the Nineties when this scene was just starting to really kick off, and if ever a band deserved to be down in Morrisound Studios then it is these guys. Powerful with a huge sound, this is underground metal which deserves to be heard more widely.
Rating: 7/10
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Engorgement/
https://www.comatosemusic.com/