Exhumed, Possessed and Malevolent Creation each plays parts in the formation of Florida based Gruesome. When former and active members of said bands formed Gruesome modeling the sound after death metal forefathers Death, expectations were reasonably high. Less than half a decade in they’ve released one full length with the upcoming June 1 Relapse release of Twisted Prayers. A slamming sophomore set that will satisfy any loyal listener of Death’s technical bludgeoning mastery.
Saying they drew inspiration from Chuck Schuldiner is an ungodly massive understatement, given their tribute touring history. They’ve brought back some of the best vintage, technical crunch, growls and guitar tapestries Schuldiner weaved during his career. The eight songs with bonus material exudes the raw, brutal decay that came from the Florida death metal scene.
Gruesome is guitarist/vocalist Matt Harvey, drummer Gus Rios, possessed guitarist Daniel Gonzalez and Derketa bassist Robin Mazen. Harvey and Rios payed tribute to all things Death related on the Death To All Tours package, deciding to go beyond hero worship, writing songs inspired by Schuldiner’s individual thought patterns.
As many kids of the era discovered Death on Scream Bloody Gore, Leprosy or The Ultimate Revenge 2 tour video, Gruesome take heavy helpings from the Spiritual Healing era, with throwbacks to early work and nods to Human and The Sound of Perseverance.
Credit-Ryan Tamm
It’s not a band trying to sound like Death or replicate the sound. It’s a band playing loyal tribute, respecting the godfathers at work, bringing their sound to a new generation of fans with forty minutes of grotesquely beautiful hymns. For those not around during Death’s lifespan and those raised in the digital era, Gruesome gives a solid, relevant scream into the bloody gore of the ’80s and ‘90s. Though, there are times if you close your eyes, you can almost hear Schuldiner’s unmistakable voice and signature riffs from the cosmos.
Legendary Death guitarist James Murphy guests on two guitar solos as Mantas’ “Legion of Doom” and Possessed’s “The Exorcist” are available on special versions.
European headlining dates begin July 19 through 24 cities, including Obscene Extreme 2018, Wacken Open Air, and Stonehenge Festival.
Harvey wrote in California, while Rios recruited Gonzalez and Mazen in Florida. After releasing demo’s in 2014 Relapse immediately took notice with the band recording the Leprosy rich debut Savage Land in 2015.
Their second shrine to Schuldiner was the six-song gore soaked Dimensions of Horror EP. The band is set to prove that the evolving sound of Death’s music is still relevant and to be held sacred, like a voice of a soul and why Chuck to many was the Dio of death metal.
The Sound of Perseverance, Leprosy and Spiritual Healing weave strongly throughout opener “Inhumane” reliving Death’s later technical tempo, guitar effects and influential, intellectual thought patterns. Tales and terrors of the prison system go unchecked with innocence playing second fiddle to execution as the police state take over.
There’s no lack of comprehension on “A Waste of Life” as they expose the political lies and corruption behind the bright insincere 10 karat smiles. “Lethal Legacy” lays out a slow guitar mission statement building and peaking from late ‘80s to early ‘90s as the story of original murder is told. Setting the stage for history’s bloodshed of violence.
“Fatal Illusions” is faster, louder, technical thrash with the most-sincere signatures of classic throwback and modern sounds. Misunderstood ideologies morph with warped, twisted realities. What to believe, behind sincerely spoken, manipulative words? Same book, different stories and agendas.
“At Death’s Door” could be ironic word play if meant that way, but could also be their answer to, why don’t you.. pull the plug.
Twisted Prayers is an extreme reminder of what Death accomplished through seven records and a reason to revisit the work of one of the genre’s architects and symbolic teacher.
