The Pitch: Massachusetts grind project Grind of the Dead, with the help of Skeleton Sun Records, shares an exclusive early stream of their deafening, malicious new album. FFO Pig Destroyer, Dendritic Arbor, Agoraphobic Nosebleed
What I Like: When we last saw Grind of the Dead, they were delivering the perverse, misanthropic, and strangely conceptual Pussy Jamz; an album that really took the listener all over the place. No Lives Matter finds the band in a much more concentrated and traditional space. This album is simply a wrecking ball wielded by violent ape men. True to grindcore form, songs don't go much longer than a minute or two. This leads to a very focused album that sticks around just as long as it needs to. And within this lean recording are lacerating vocals, ugly distortion, and some pretty killer bass breaks. I love the interplay of the high and low screams, and Grind of the Dead's take on NIN's "Somewhat Damaged" is surprisingly fun.
What I Don't Like: While I like the more focused direction, more work is now needed to help Grind of the Dead become as relevant as possible to the genre. I think that their vocals are particularly noteworthy in just how fierce they come across, but more compositional attention to the guitar hooks and drums will take this project to the next level.
The Verdict: A vicious grindcore assault that sees Grind of the Dead stepping up their game, but one that could also benefit from further direction and maturation. Get it this Friday HERE. Stream it early below.
Flight's Fav's: Let The Roots Consume, Shit Planet, Suffer Greatly