Russia’s Ossuary Anex came into existence in 2008, and 4 years later released their debut, Awakening on the now defunct SFC Records.  I really enjoyed their debut and even reviewed it on aatruk.com.  They now return with Mutilation Through Prayer and it’s a killer follow-up album.  The band wears their influences on their sleeves.  Internal Bleeding, Devourment, Dehumanized and Dying Fetus being the main influences.  Yes Ossuary Anex loves brutal slam death metal.  Vocals even harkening back to some early Cannibal Corpse era, of yore, as well.

OK, let’s get right to the flippity flip.  Opening with banging piano keys, “Werewolves in Cassocks” soon comes roaring through your speakers and the most noticeable feature, is the slap bass guitar playing.  It adds a new dimension to their brutal slam approach and the bass guitar playing, on the entire recording, is quite fantastic.  If you’re a bassist, check this out, truly stellar playing.  The entire track is pretty fast, with some mid paced moments, but really is the perfect “crack” like opener, with the super-fast blasting.  “The Bloody Ritual Slaughter” is up next and yes the 2.34 part is the killer “Holy Shit” moment with a whirlwind brutal slam part.  Yes, you will be swinging for the fences on this part.

I always like to review title tracks, because those are some of the strongest tracks on a bands album and it’s true here.  Beginning with a killer groove, almost doomy.  I wanted this part to continue a little more.  Track picks up pace, eventually erupting into a brutal blast.  The 1.30 rhythm and groove are excellent and again parts like this are great, but Ossuary Anex then goes right for more blasts, but luckily they return a short while later for a real nice groove and a nice drum pattern.  “Ultimate Destination” blasts right through your speakers, intent on one thing, to rip your limbs from your body and smash them right over your head.  The 1.11 part reminds me a little of Soils of Fate type of groove with the Henke like vocals and bouncy slam.  Then a killer bass part comes right in and slaps you this way and that way.  The song eventually trails off to just isolated bass guitar playing.  Exceptional and this is the strongest track on Mutilation Through Prayer.

Overall the production is good, I would have liked the guitars to have a little more beefiness to them.  Because when the songs groove and those riffs are clearly there, I want the sound to level me a little more.  I would encourage Ossuary Anex to let some of the groovier moments and catchier riffs breathe a little more, because they write some killer and memorable moments,  These parts are strong and hell I love blasting more than the next guy, but when you have a monster riff, stick with the bastard for a little bit.  Also return to it later in the song too, not gonna hurt.  The booklet layout is fantastic.  Pictures, lyrics and thanks list.  Damn I was even mentioned right alongside Internal Bleeding.  I was really honored to be mentioned in here. Thank you, gentlemen.

Ossuary Anex are not reinventing the wheel with brutal slam death metal, but honestly when listening to slam death metal I want to imagine heaving pits, windmills, picking up change and karate chops to the gulliver.  Ossuary Anex does this and I love that!  Support them, buy their cd and like their FB page.  Mutilation Through Prayer does exactly what it’s intended to do and that’s rip your head clean off your shoulders!

 

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