Death metal above all genres has the greatest chance to tap into the vilest of imagery. The riffs drip with bloody viscera; the vocals spew acid. It's a churning madness that certainly unsettles the faint of heart.
This barbarism is what many of Portland, Oregon's death metal bands have tapped into recently. The mysterious Vrasubatlat sect siphons from it as well as bands like Witch Vomit and Ritual Necromancy. Another band that bathes in the horrid rot is Torture Rack, a quartet that features members of the Vrasubatlat cult, Witch Vomit, and more.
Torture Rack is releasing their second full-length album, Malefic Humiliation, later this month on 20 Buck Spin and other labels. Amongst its nine tracks is a blunted hatchet of a track called "Masked in Leeches." If you've had the privilege of hearing a bone saw go through literal human bone like I have, the riffs in this track undoubtedly recall that sound.
A big, rolling rhythm consumes much of this track; distorted guitars and thunderous drums make this Autopsy-esque music feel like a literal autopsy. This quartet amongst many other death metal bands in the Pacific Northwest is making a lot of noise right now; make sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled—or they'll peel them for you.
Find the exclusive stream of "Masked in Leeches" below. Pre-orders for Malefic Humiliation are available now through 20 Buck Spin.