ALBUM REVIEW: Bedsore – Hypnagogic Hallucinations

Following their demo of otherworldly Death Metal, BEDSORE return with their debut full length record. Set for release via 20 Buck Spin on July 24th.

Otherworldly synths start the record off with a slow drum build up to add tension to the prog-style introduction. Doomy riffs draw in a spectral atmosphere and conjure a truly epic feeling to the music with bleak and simplistic lead work adding further texture to the sound. Such a magnificent introduction shows just how much attention to detail Bedsore are capable of, something that rings true for what lies ahead. A thunderous cacophony of doomy Death Metal with guttural riffs, pounding drums and soaring leads spews forth even more inhuman soundscapes packed with groove and atmospheric prowess. There is so much tension to this material that it will immediately hook itself into your flesh.

Maniacal vocals complete the murky onslaught which grows with a discordant blackened edge to the ferocious Death Metal cascades. Melodic Doom Metal adds a very Finnish feel to the record akin to Sentenced or Hooded Menace, showing once more that there is a huge amount of detailing, textural diversity and nuance to be found. As visceral as the more extreme sections are, we see tranquil parts interwoven into the fabric of the music that accentuates the oddness of the music. This does not interfere with the crushing heaviness at hand thankfully. Intense and intricate musicianship delves into forays of masterful aggression with precise and eerie instrumentals and vocals transporting the music to other realms.

Howling with dissonance and blending so many influences from the Extreme Metal world, we are given an impenetrable display of corrosive musicianship that is enticing throughout. From the harsh onslaughts, gorgeous breaks and weird progressions to the more primal aggression on the record, there is so many fantastic elements that must have been near impossible to string together in such a transcendent manner. Bedsore manage this flawlessly with a natural execution that is impeccably tight. To have such an astonishing amount of atmosphere while retaining that brutal and devastatingly precise aggression is in itself impressive, but this is done effortlessly with such a nuanced and intricate approach. This album will take many listens to truly appreciate, a hallmark of greatness.

Not only is this some riveting Blackened Death-Doom, it is a psychedelic and otherworldly experience. Bedsore take us to a hallucinatory realm of ecstasy and horror in equal measure. In recent years Death Metal has had some fascinating and innovative bands who truly turn the genre upside down, Bedsore turn it inside out. Do not expect some nostalgic old school Death Metal here, that does not do it justice. This is an out of body experience presented in Death Metal form with endless offerings of enlightening musical brilliance. -8.5/10