Cleveland is a death metal town. I’m much closer to Pittsburgh but do make the journey to Cleveland somewhat regularly. My friend who books shows in Pittsburgh told me about a show he was considering but was on the fence. It happens to be my favorite band from this old-school death metal revival of which I cannot get enough. I’ve seen them multiple times in Cleveland, and he asked if they would be a big draw, stating Pittsburgh is a deathcore town and Cleveland is a death metal town.

How does this relate to Mutilation Barbecue? Well, they’re part of that death metal revival and are from Cleveland. Try to keep up, silly. After a short sample, “Amalgamations of Gore/Skin Display” kicks off. These boys have that ping snare you know when you hear it. Once the 1:45 mark passes, you’re going to know what they’re about. Filthy riffs, filthy vocals, and a hefty dose of groove. I have already seen and heard them, so I was prepared for this, but you may not be.

I dig the beginning of “Auto Anthropophagy” a few tracks later. It’s that churning death metal popularized by the greats. At the 1:40 mark, there’s a quick lead, followed by a meaty, succulent breakdown including some pinch harmonics. God damn, I cannot express how great this album sounds.

“Carcass Compost” is the longest track, and at under 4 minutes, that’s relative. This is a head-down banger, which describes the album, too. The next time I see them, I might have my head down the entire time and not even see the band members. The audible bass is a winning formula for me and shows up especially in “Carcass Compost” because of the lead that follows.

I’m assuming the “Lady Next Door” is not in an enviable position when it comes to the second to last track. I guess instead they could have a cop next door who yells at literally everything and everyone for no reason and has the city police at his house seemingly every few weeks (I have that). This is a bruiser, which you probably already knew. The last minute or so is so dick-slappingly heavy that it will make you, uhhh, I guess slap your dick?

Poor metaphors aside, the final track “Spontaneous Human Combustion,” doesn’t stray from the formula. That’s not a negative because the formula is excellent. No frills, bash your brain in heaviness for nearly 3 minutes. The solo starting with less than a minute left is perhaps the best on the record.

I don’t even think I could point out a negative if I wanted. Sure, there could have been another track or two since it’s only 29 minutes. That may take away from the replayability, however. There’s not a single dud. It’s heavy, catchy (I said it), taut, and vicious. I haven’t listened to much old-school death metal this year and happen to think maybe the revival is starting to fade away, but Mutilation Barbecue just made me look like an idiot. Maggot Stomp for the win again, and I can’t wait to see you boys soon!

 

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