Rotten Sound – Apocalypse

Finnish grindcore veterans Rotten Sound return in 2023 with a sonic Molotov cocktail titled “Apocalypse.” Clocking in at a lean 20 minutes, the album is a whirlwind of fury and frustration, a perfect distillation of everything that makes grindcore such a potent force. Let’s dissect this aural assault, track by track:

• Cries of the Exploited: The album explodes without warning, a barrage of blast beats, churning riffs, and G. Rotten’s trademark guttural roar. The song sets the tone for the rest of the album – short, sharp, and utterly brutal.
• False Hope: This track doesn’t even reach the 30-second mark, but it packs a powerful punch. The lyrics decry the illusion of hope in a world on the brink of collapse.
• Parasite: Rotten Sound showcases their knack for crafting memorable riffs within the grindcore framework. The song features a surprisingly catchy hook embedded within the sonic chaos.
• Fear of Nothing: A mid-tempo groove emerges here, a brief respite from the relentless blast beats. The lyrics offer a nihilistic perspective on the impending apocalypse.
• Subjugation: The band unleashes their fury with a renewed burst of aggression. Guitarist Mättönen unleashes a flurry of dissonant chords, creating a suffocating atmosphere of dread.
• Nothingness: Another sub-30-second blast of sonic fury, reinforcing the album’s relentless pace.
• True and False: This track explores the blurring lines between truth and deception in a world on the verge of societal collapse. Musically, it’s a classic grindcore assault.
• Subhuman Resources: Rotten Sound throws in a changeup with a slower, sludgier approach. The song evokes a sense of oppressive despair, a sonic representation of humanity’s dwindling resources.
• Massacre of the Innocent: The album explodes back into pure grindcore mayhem. The lyrics paint a picture of societal breakdown and widespread violence.
• Violent Closure: The final track lives up to its title, a ferocious display of sonic brutality that brings the album to a fittingly apocalyptic conclusion.

Rotten Sound – Apocalypse is a masterclass in grindcore. The album wastes no time on unnecessary intros or outros, delivering pure sonic fury from the first second to the last. The songwriting is tight, with each track serving a purpose within the overall narrative of societal collapse. G. Rotten’s vocals are perfectly suited to the genre, a guttural embodiment of rage and frustration.

While some might find the album’s brevity a drawback, it’s precisely what makes it so effective. “Apocalypse” doesn’t overstay its welcome, leaving the listener wanting more in the best possible way.

For fans of grindcore, “Apocalypse” is a must-have. For those curious about the genre, this album serves as a perfect entry point, showcasing the raw energy and unbridled aggression that defines grindcore at its finest.

Overall Score: 5 out of 5