ALBUM REVIEW: Skeletal Remains – Devouring Mortality

The 2nd of the 2 very late reviews, I just had to write this one up as well! The crushing newest album from Death Metallers SKELETAL REMAINS! As with the Druid Lord album, I am also more summarising, this is no reflection on the quality of the album (I think it’s really awesome), just due to the lateness and wanting to get both up! With that said, I hope you guys enjoy this review!

1. Ripperology comes right into blast beats, pounding and groovy riffs with some awesome songwriting. There is a certain Cannibal Corpse feel to the guitar work especially. The lead work in this track is absolutely amazing, clearly a very talented guitarist. The vocals are reminiscent of early Death albums (as are the choice of guitar effects in the song), absolutely raw, chalky and beautifully done OSDM vocals! Killer opening track !
2. Seismic Abyss once more blasts us into oblivion from the very off. Absolutely groove fuelled drums and guitar / bass work delivers so much punch and the classic Death Metal assault is perfectly punctuated, excellently executed and for lack of a third piece of alliteration, fucking awesome. The vocals are so raw and emotive, absolutely killer!
3. Catastrophic Retribution takes us into more melodic territory, while still remaining incredibly brutal, the technicality on this track is certainly an appreciated flourish, showing off the musicians capabilities. The furious roar of the frontman is a perfect entry on this track, falling into maddening speeds and growls. Another ridiculously good track.
4. Devouring Mortality slams its way into your eardrums, hearing wave after wave of unabashed, glorious Death Metal with none of the watered down elements of some recent scenes is just a beautifully welcome thing. The Obituary worship in this track is somewhat obvious, but that’s no criticism, this band clearly have utmost respect for the classic bands and honourably continue their legacy, they do a damn fine job of it too!! My favourite track of the album, simply due to the chaotic feel of it and sludgy as hell riffs, chimed drum assault and morbid as hell vocals.
5. Torture Labyrinth hits us, like a freight train, with no remorse. The sludgier and slower tempos of the intro are foreboding and crushing, with beautiful guitar solos draped to perfect quantity. The chugging malice of the song is really catchy and full of headbanger friendly grooves. This track is literally the kind of song I think Mosh Pits are made for. The drumming after the halfway point is just fantastic and really ups the anti as the track leads into shredder heaven with the guitar solo, underlying bass thunder complementing it perfectly.
6. Grotesque Creation frantically grabs you. The more technical riff shining through once more, breaking up the slower drudge of the last song with frenzied attacks on all fronts. The song is absolutely gripping and perfectly played across the board, with some really catchy Chuck Schuldiner inspired leads, sounding glorious, I must add. The guitar solo is soulful, melodic and perfectly balanced as the track goes into a more sombre and heartfelt ending. Another blindingly good track.
7. Parasitic Horrors grinds its way in with precision fuelled and groovy as hell riffs. This back-and-forth they seem to have going between tempos and styles is really awesome to witness and astoundingly well played too, with the flow of the album not losing any momentum through these transitions. This is one part of the many things I love about the album. There is a more slam like part to this song as well which was really unexpected, dropping into killer whammy bar frenzy and gorgeously plucked lead work.
8. Mortal Decimation is furious, aggressive, menacing and everything else that makes a Death Metal track feel like it is coming after YOU. The primal hatred in this song is so contagious, listening to it I already feel myself catching the urge to go out and just start a pit in the street. Absolutely great songwriting, packed with very unique builds and climaxes that make every break hit even harder.
9. Lifeless Manifestation an interval of sorts consisting of crushing riffs and fantastic drums, a lovely little break in the album for sure with some really creepy sampling at the end!
10. Reanimating Pathogen is technical, precise and brutal as hell. This track is your perfect, all round appealing Death Metal that I think an Extreme Metal fans could enjoy. It has technicality, melody, crushingly heavy riffs, pounding blast beats, guttural yet raw vocals and great rhythm that is consistent and wonderfully done. The bass slide going into the guitar solo is so warm, the solo itself being very nice and shred filled with beautiful soaring tones used. Classic track!
11. Internal Detestation is the ending number. It does its duty with both sludgy and grimace worthy fury. The riffs once more steal the show for me on guitar and bass with so much groove and great songwriting. The vocalists has this really awesome raw guttural shout that he uses so perfectly. Finally the drums are just insanely good, they have been throughout the release. The solo is balanced and incredibly well written and played. A wonderful closing piece!

This release is yet another absolutely magnificent example of old school Death Metal’s sound never dying out. Skeletal Remains absolutely slay with their latest release! -8/10