Review by Carl on December 5, 2021.

One of the hardest things about writing these reviews is coming up with a title. In the past I regularly struggled with that, until I started taking the coolest sounding song title from the album. There, problem solved, right? Until you come across an album that has no titles like this one, of course, then you're fucked. After some consideration, I just decided to describe what I see on the cover. There, problem solved.

Now, song titles or not, this is one massive piece of death metal infused grindcore. This thing simply oozes unhinged aggression from the speakers, and has enough brutality on offer to cave your head right in. There is no melody, there is no nuance, yet it never totally deteriorates into aimless hammering noise. The band has well rounded songs on offer, only they fly by at unrelenting speed. Their style could be described as pretty old school grindcore in the vein of Agathocles, Rot (Brazil) and "Scum" era Napalm Death, but with a down tuned guitar sound that makes them blood brothers of a band like Mortician. In song structure, S.C.D. are undeniable a pretty traditional grindcore band, keeping it short and primarily fast, but the remorselessly heavy guitar sound, gurgling gutturals and piercing screams place them well in the death metal regions of extreme music. In intensity they even rival present day war metal acts such as Barbaric Horde and Black Witchery, even surpassing them in the frothing-at-the-mouth-bonkers stakes at times. This is violent and intense, and boy, this is an awesome kick in the nuts. By a horse.

Production-wise this is top-notch. The guitars and percussion are on an even level in the mix and ensure that the music does not lose any intensity at all, but it isn't a slick, over-produced sound mix either. The production sounds clear and heavy with a raw edge to it, keeping the underground mentality well intact throughout. I have a feeling that this album was recorded with electronic drum pads, but that is only audible in the fills and don't bother me all that much. The production and music go hand in hand, and in its totality complement each other perfectly.

A regularly heard criticism of music and albums like this is that it all sounds like one long song, and yes, I get that. No point in denying that, really, but with such relentless savagery on offer, the 30 minutes this album lasts simply fly by. Of course, you need to have an appreciation for grindcore to enjoy this, but I seriously doubt the president of the Elton John fanclub will be taking an interest in this album anytime soon.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10