Info
- Band(s): The Rotted
- Label(s): Metal Blade
- Release Format(s): CD
- Release Year: 2008
- Review Date: December 7, 2008
- Author(s): Paul King
So, what’s in a name? How many bands do you know who should have changed their name, simply because it really just isn’t the same band anymore, either due to line-up changes or drastic a change in sound? Sometimes you wish a band would change their name if only to avoid embarrassment being caused to their legacy. Showing a self-awareness not displayed by many bands, Gorerotted accepted that the new musical direction they wished to take was sufficiently different to require a new moniker and effectively make a fresh start as a completely new band, and hence The Rotted were born.
Expanding and veering away from the brutal Death Metal of Gorerotted, The Rotted display a much more developed and diverse sound meaning that in amongst the blastbeats and guttural vocals that remain from their former incarnation, along the way you also encounter elements of hardcore punk, melodic death riffing and mosh friendly grooves. They also display a much subtler edge, with some eerie hidden melodies providing the music with a sinister and macabre edge usually more commonly found within the lyrics in this genre. Running parallel to this development is a marked increase in song-writing maturity, with the band unafraid to vary the intensity occasionally with various breakdowns, mid-paced chugging riffs and an atmospheric intermission track, showing they realise the key to heaviness lies in dynamics rather than a relentless assault, a fact sorely neglected by so many bands.
Despite this talk of subtlety and maturity, fans of Gorerotted will be pleased to know that, as evidenced by song titles such as ‘Angel Of Meth’ and ‘It’s Like There’s A Party In My Mouth, And Everyone’s Being Sick’, the band members have lost none of their typically British tongue in cheek sense of humour. This, combined with the- dare I say it- catchiness of some of the songs, and the playful yet aggressive demeanour of the delivery, means ‘Get Dead Or Die Trying’ sometimes brings to mind early Entombed.
Finishing with a rousing rendition of the main theme from ’28 Days Later’, The Rotted have produced that rarest of gems: a Death Metal album that is simultaneously brutally heavy yet also catchy, entertaining, melodic and spiced up with plenty of musical asides to keep things interesting throughout.
Metal Blade
- Country: USA
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Thrash Metal, Other
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
