“That was filthier than expected” is not a phrase often uttered as a compliment. Unless, of course we’re talking about Pittsburgh Nellie (a Welsh whore who can do things with her one good arm that would make you forget that thing on her neck). It is, however, frequently a compliment when it comes to metal. It applies here to Undeath’s debut album Lesions of a Different Kind.

Before we go too deep into that because, let’s be honest, you care far more about my opinions and musings than the music itself, let’s briefly discuss that band name. It’s certainly not the worst in the realm of metal (gazing your direction Fvneral Fvkk), but it’s kind of, well… I guess Resurrection was taken (like a hundred times).

Names aside, let’s talk about some Un(death) metal. The first track, “Suitably Hacked to Gore” takes almost zero moments to kick you in the teeth as the old school death metal vibes and vocals begin immediately. There’s a tease of a solo less than a minute in, a break, then the solo commences. The vocals kick in for another moment, then the solo takes over. While the production hisses just a little bit, it’s clear enough to understand what’s going on.

The first blast of OSDM is over before you know it in less than 3 minutes before the second one starts. That track, “Shackles of Sanity,” is definitely groovier than the first and infinitely more head-bangable (shut up spell check, I swear it’s a word).

Although the first 2 tracks will crush your skull, track 3, the title track, “Lesions of a Different Kind,” definitely has a little more personality. Sure, the objective is the same, but that main riff will get stuck in your head. With a little less than a minute in, there’s a slight changeup in the vocal department, keeping things interesting, yet brutal so far. That slight variety in the vocal department comes courtesy of Trevor Strnad from The Black Dahlia Murder.

That last cameo, if you didn’t get the picture already, points you well into the direction of this monstrosity (in a good way), although this is far more old school than Trevor’s main band. Look no further than “Kicked in the Protruding Guts,” which is a bit longer than the standard track on this slimy slab of the metal of death. No less groovy, though.

To close it out is a power metal ballad called “Archfiend Coercion Methods.” I’m kidding, of course. It’s another old school slab of slimy death meant to coerce (see what I did) you into banging around that big dumb brain in that big dumb head of yours. God, you’re so stupid. Anyway, if you were looking for the brootals, you’re still in the right place.

Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for this. Sure, there are faults. The mix isn’t the best as there’s a little hiss previously mentioned, but you grow used to it. It’s also a little samey, but you probably knew that. However, If you’re into getting some filthy, nasty, brutal, groovy, old school death metal rammed up your snizz (and you are), then this is for you. This is what I wanted from that Cemetery Filth album I reviewed earlier this year.

[Visit the band's website]

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