Even though he has long championed his home country (India) and other Asian bands , Transcending Obscurity Records owner Kunal Choksi has outdone himself with the second effort from Mumbia’s Gutslit.

You’d would have no idea these guys were from India once you hit play, as the band culls from a plethora of brutal influences from all over the world. Mainly American but you can hear Cryptopsy, Gorgasm, Benighted (especially vocally), Suffocation and many others in the band’s groovy, brutality.

The album’s succinct 28 minute, no frills (save a couple of samples), punishing output recalls Whisper Supremacy, but slightly less complex and more bulldozing and straightforwardly broodle. The production is outstanding, with a heavy, but crystal clear tone that allows the music to punish with clarity, especially the throbbing bass. The vocals of new frontman Kaushal LS cover all the bases from deep growls to mid range rasps and pig squeals, bringing a bit of a grindcore vice to the proceedings.

The band appears to have matured an moved on from song titles like “Circumcised from a Chainsaw”  and “Pustulated Phallic Enthrallment” to more torturous, execution themes like  “Blood Eagle”, “Brazen Bull”, “Brodequin” and “Scaphism”. No matter- all are face pummeling numbers with equal parts blasting and lurching.  Almost 6 minute Closer “Death Hammer” even shows the band can reign it in just a tad when they chose, though it’s not very often.

The music combined with the killer Eliran Kantor (Archspire, Atheist, Crowbar, Fleshgod Apocalypse)  artwork makes for a killer, nasty little package of brutality that is almost surpasses this years Henry Kane effort as Transcending Obscurity’s most vicious and savage release to date.

[Visit the band's website]

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