Artist: Masticated Cadaver
Country: Canada
Label: Self-Released
Formats: Digital
Year: 2024
Almost exactly a year ago I reviewed the first demo tape of this Canadian one-man Death Metal act, ‘Necrotic Mutation’ specifically appealed to me because of its thoroughly authentic late 90’s sound that marked the tipping point between proto-Brutal Death Metal and Grindcore. In the review for that demo I cited that at that turn of the millennium I liked my fair share of bands like Skinless, Intense Hammer Rage, Sikfuk, Devourment and Lividity and that Masticated Cadaver’s first demo tape fitted in that timeframe just perfectly.
Now we are about a year on and the lone musician behind Masticated Cadaver delivers his latest release in the form of a full-length album. ‘Progression Towards Total Maceration…’ still sounds like a perfect picture of days gone by, even the title of this album seems to have a slight reference to Skinless’ first full-length (‘Progression Towards Evil’, 1998). But it would be too easy to dismiss this album as a mere rehash of what was heard on the demo. Sure, an obvious fondness for Brutal Death Metal of the late 90’s can still be heard and the Grindcore slant has not disappeared either, but there is clearly more to it. The music seems to have a bit more depth and, especially in the slower parts, it actually verges on Doom/Death Metal. Although the production is a bit better than on its predecessor, it is still a rough intention, which adds to the purity of the recordings.
The result is a worthy successor to ‘Necrotic Mutation’ and shows that the band is not purely dwelling on bygone times, but is definitely looking for some musical development as well. This is highly recommended for nostalgics like me and those who don’t like their Brutal Death Metal sounding too plastic.
