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RANCID CADAVER
Mass Of Gore EP

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 8/10

It’s a shame that this release so short but one of Scotland’s finest death metal bands has returned with a brace of brain mangling tunes. It seems a lot longer than two years since Rancid Cadaver issued its Flesh Monstrosity EP. That was a deliciously deathly five-track affair and so this time round I was expecting another release of same length, or even an album. But for now us fans will have to make do with these two songs, ‘Zombified’ and ‘Mass Of Gore’.

Thankfully the line-up hasn’t changed and one can hear the progression and maturity with these songs. ‘Zombified’ begins with a wailing solo and hefty percussion before bassist Ross Dunn exhales a ghastly groan. The song reminds me of classic Death initially; the chunky riffage more so, but it’s an ideal way to entice the listener into its depths and this vein of drudgery continues for some eight seconds before the combo kicks into pace. However, it’s far from being a predictable old school vibe because Rancid Cadaver maintains further twists in its dynamics, but with each meaty segment comes an incredibly infectious tempo.

This is really good death metal boasting familiar yet atmospheric leads and a distinctive mouldy chug. The fact it’s all so doomy means you can really get your fangs into its layers, and the same can also be said for ‘Mass Of Gore’. Again we are treated to a grim trudging and festering doominess. In fact, neither of these tracks offers pace, and I sincerely hope this traipsing gloominess features heavily with their next release. Catchy, foul and rotten, this is what real death metal is all about. Now, get that album out!

Neil Arnold

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