Ohio’s death metal outfit Sanguisugabogg returns with a sophomore effort even more punishing than their critically-acclaimed debut, “Tortured Whole”. Released in February 2023, “Homicidal Ecstasy” is a brutal death metal smorgasbord, a whirlwind of guttural vocals, pulverizing drums, and riffs that could cave your skull in.
The album wastes no time on atmospherics or slow buildups. It explodes from the gates with “Black Market Vasectomy,” a track aptly named for its surgical brutality. The production, courtesy of the legendary Kurt Ballou (Converge, High on Fire), is both filthy and precise, ensuring every instrument lands with maximum impact. Drummer Cody Davidson deserves special mention here, his fills adding a surprising layer of technicality amidst the sonic carnage.
“Homicidal Ecstasy” isn’t all about bludgeoning force though. Tracks like “Hungry For Your Insides” showcase the band’s ability to craft simple yet effective assaults, while “Mortal Admonishment” takes a more brooding approach, demonstrating a surprising depth to their sound. Sanguisugabogg seamlessly blends moments of dissonant chords and melodic refrains into their punishing assault, proving they’re more interested in writing memorable songs than generic mosh parts.
Some critics have pointed to the album’s length as a drawback. While “Homicidal Ecstasy” clocks in at a lean 30 minutes, a few tracks in the latter half don’t quite reach the heights of the opening salvo. However, even these maintain the album’s relentless intensity, making for a consistently brutal listening experience.
Sanguisugabogg might not reinvent the brutal death metal wheel, but “Homicidal Ecstasy” is a masterclass in execution. It’s an album that will satisfy fans looking for pure, unadulterated sonic violence. Just be sure to crack open a metaphorical beer (or something stronger) before diving into this aural assault.
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