Review of Rotten Sound - Exit

Not so hot on the heels of their last release, Murderworks, Finland's grind machine returns for a fresh 2005 release. Unlike other acts who fall under the same banner of grindcore, Rotten Sound are closer to Nasum or Gadget, due to their generally higher pitched call/response vocal delivery and hardcore/crust leanings. While they still hold a largely death metal sound, the presence of such elements is difficult to deny.

The album starts with the sound of a cocked gun. After a listen I can think of few introductory sounds that would do Rotten Sound further justice. The incredibly fast, blasting, and detuned, "Burden" pummels the listener immediately and thoroughly using contrasting low growls and a hardcore yell. "Sell Your Soul" bleeds in with an effective layer of feedback, followed by a quickly picked death metal riff, then a classic thrash beat. With it's pick-scraped intro, the anthemic and driving "Follow" is far more what you'd expect out of a Scandinavian grindcore band. Before you can blink, you're already faced with the seventh track, "Slave", which uses slight pauses to interrupt the machinegun drumming. The short durations make the song structures streamlined, allowing for enough time changes without compromising intensity. Every part is written to precede and set up the next rhythm perfectly, whether it's another blast, or simply a chugging headbanging part. There's a slight usage of samples, but they don't go overboard and instead use them tastefully, like on "Slay", a less than a minute long instrumental that serves as an introduction to "Western Cancer", a deathy track with an exceptionally groovy mid-song break. "Running Weak" is the final track, being largely noise. At an unprecedented 4:54 duration, it sounds unlike anything previous, yet still exceptional. As much as I love Rotten Sound as the way they are, that final track leaves me feeling curious as to what other innovations these guys are capable of.

If you're still doubtful as to the quality of Exit, you should probably know that it was produced in Soundlab Studios by the much-revered Mieszko Talarczyk of Nasum.

The most disappointing thing about Exit is its length. Although thirty minutes long, by the time it's on, it's nearly over. Though this might be for the best, as I can't imagine the last time I wanted a 60 minute grind album. The record completely destroys their previous release, as well as the majority of what other bands are doing at the moment. A giant collective "thank you" goes out to Spinefarm for their delivery of this excellent album.

Release Details

Rotten Sound

Exit

Comments

Related