Canada has done it again. After the initial invasion of Cryptopsy Kataklysm and Gorguts laid the ground work of musical insanity, bands like Neuraxis, Quo Vadis, Ion Dissonance and Despised Icon to continue to pummel these shores with ridicoulously complex metal. Add Beneath the Massacre to the list of impressive Canadian bands that can rip you apart with their brutality and shred your mind with mind boggling intricacy.

Lying somewhere between the crushing, head in a cement mixer ballistics of Cryptopsy and the staccato technical prowess of Theory In Practice and the mindfuckery of Gorguts, Beneath the Massacre, in this mere five song EP, deliver a stunning display of music that makes me salivate for a full length album.

With all their intricacy, BTM still are brutal as shit, with some monolithic breakdowns littered around the shredding that may put of those fans frightened of the “H” word (hardcore), but when surrounded by such a vortex of sheer embolism inducing complexity, it’s impossible not to get swept away. EIlliot Desgagnes has a deep formidable roar that keeps things brutal and not too frivolous, while Justin Rouselle’s manic drums, while at time a little to programmed sounding (Canadian super producer Yannick St-Amand overdid them slightly), provide a hectic backdrop.

“Profitable Kill Count” and “Regurgitated Lullaby for the Born Dead” leap off this EP as standout cuts of immense depth and girth with “Regurgitated Lullaby for the Born Dead” having one of the most oppressive breakdowns I’ve heard in years as its bowel shuddering climax. The other three tracks are equally as tight, visceral and entertaining, but seem to cower in the shadows of the other two mighty tracks with a more intricate lean.

One has to wonder if a full length album can retain the intensity for 40 or so minutes or if it will repeat itself and bury the material in needless technicality. But god-damn I look forward to finding out.

[Visit the band's website]

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