There’s a new Jungle Rot album on the way, okay? At this point, let’s be honest with ourselves. You know what they bring to the table. You either like it or you don’t. This album is not likely to change your mind, so the real question is; Is this a good Jungle Rot album?

Yeah. *closes laptop, yawns, lifts left leg, lets out a thunderous round of flatulence, coughs, gets into bed, and pulls up the covers.*

Oh, I guess you want more? Fine. Only because I gave myself a Dutch oven.

They begin this Call to Arms with “A Call to Arms…” It’s exactly what you expect. It’s a mostly mid-paced death metal affair with a couple short solo sections, a quick hook, and some painful sounding vocals at the end of the track. You have some serious phlegm issues, Dave…

“Beyond the Grave,” which is track 3, starts out with some gang vocals in the main hook, which is a nice touch to begin. The riff in the chorus carries what could certainly be a live staple for these guys. After the solo, they tease what sounds like is going to be a monster breakdown, but just goes back to the chorus. Opportunity missed, gentlemen. Still a damn fine track, though.

“Haunting Future,” which is track 6, begins with a beatdown of a riff. That beatdown, as expected, continues throughout the track. On the first chorus, I think I can hear Dave Matrise gargling some Listerine. Or blood. Blood sounds better here. The first lead section is almost funny because it’s clearly a tease, but the second is much better. This is probably the best track on the album.

Moving further ahead to the closing track, “Vengeance and Bloodlust” is the longest, but before you worry your big, dumb head about Jungle Rot penning their “Freebird,” understand that means it’s barely over 4 minutes. The second half of the song is one of the best parts of the entire album with its neck-snapping groove section, followed by a quick solo, a chorus, then the end. The album ends and they somehow leave you wanting a little more.

10 songs in 34 minutes is about what’s expected, but like I stated earlier, all that you really need to know is whether or not this a good Jungle Rot album. It sure is. You’re getting solid, mid-paced death metal with a punk back beat. No progression, no frills, no bullshit. Just solid riffs, hooks, and beatdowns. If you wanted something else, you’re in the wrong part of the jungle.

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