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MOLDER
Catastrophic Reconfiguration

Prosthetic (2024)
Rating: 7.5/10

The look and sound of Illinois-based deathsters Molder epitomizes the current death metal scene, from the ghoulishĺy fat guitar sound right down to the track titles, lyrics and cover art.

Molder may not be as swampy as some, although embroiled in those garish green textures and that lurid logo is something that, this time round, looks more tech-death or slam but has more in common with vintage Morgoth or Death. Molder, like many of the current glut of gore hounds, are not necessarily recyclers, but their sound remains familiar with every release.

The main issue with such consistent blending is the lack of standout tracks or even flair, but the rogues seem more than content to revel in their watery graves. Guitarist Aaron Pantke boasts a vocal style we have heard countless times before; dehydrated gasps of horror plucked straight from classic Pestilence, Asphyx and Obituary etc. as he heaves his way through the opening title track tirade.

Molder does this thrashing death noise so well, occasionally nullifying some of the tumult with instrumental padding, but for the most part this is feisty, ravenous punk-fuelled death metal that is more than happy to wear its influences on its bloody sleeve. Early Death circa Leprosy (1988) springs to mind on the rabid ‘Pulped’ with its methodical chorus shift, and then there are the tried and tested Autopsy nods on ‘Corpse Copulation’ and the feverish drools of ‘Bursted Innards’.

Throughout this opus Molder simply reminds the listener why they love death metal. The general all round goofiness is key here, all delivered on rather upbeat fetid waves as ‘Frothing’, in somewhat jovial manner, springs from the same infected watering hole as Obituary with the smeared vocal retorts but less menace. In fact, when it comes to catchiness Molder have become masters of creating massive pummeling chugs (‘Masked In Mold’) that worm into your already mashed matter.

When ‘Nothing Left To Ooze’ rounds off 34 minutes of maggot-brained metal I am starting to realise just how crowded the current death scene is and that records are emerging too thick and fast from the sewers. However, I’m sure that Molder’s latest belch, in spite of its derivative decadence, will be one of 2024’s most highly praised and lapped up by the fan freaks.

Neil Arnold

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