FLESHGORE

A biting riff scythes away, a ripping solo pierces the air, guttural vocals spew hate and disgust, pinch harmonics fly out like bullets… And that's just the opening song, "Crackdown", from FLESHGORE's "May God Strike Me Dead". Though released previously in other corners of this toilet earth, This Dark Reign presents the Ukrainian band's blood-specked third offering to stateside brutal deathsters. If bands on labels like Unique Leader cause you to turn up your nose and leave the room, then you best stay clear of "May God Strike Me Dead". The album is a fine example of brutal death done up right, even if nothing new is on offer here.

Interestingly enough, one of the band's secret weapons is its very own production job. The thick and corrosive riffing, the manner in which the assaulting rhythm section is harnessed, the vocal treatment, and the sharp edges of the sound mix are well suited to the group's style. I'm impressed. Still, without strong songs, all you'd have is a great sounding pile of donkey dung. I'll not venture a guess as to the lyrical content of "Fag-End", so let's just say it is one of several tunes that utilizes the all-important pig squeal to grand effect. The stop-start riff chunks over relentless kick drum battering, as well as a mastery of death metal chug, and a solo that is soulful and ripping make "Day of Doom" most worthy of note. Several tracks, "Greed" and "Obtrusion" in particular, bring the tear-n-squeal of DYING FETUS to mind, not to mention the pure carnage of select bands on the Unmatched Brutality roster. FLESHGORE changes up the arrangements nicely too. The seven-minute "Twisted Reality" is one example with its smattering of semi-melodic patterns and some rather arresting chord progressions. Also worth of pointing out is "Passion", a song that begins with darkly beautiful clean picking and a lead that is somewhat reminiscent of "Ride the Lightning" era METALLICA, that is until more death metal damage is done.

"May God Strike Me Dead" is one of several examples of why Eastern European death metal is among the world's finest. You will not necessarily be surprised at what you hear, but any true fan of the brutal end of the spectrum should find value in this one. Word on the street is that the boys will be dropping a new bomb later in the year too. Watch out!