Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Fleshgore - Killing Absorption - 2003 - This Dark Reign Records

Track Listing 1. Domain of Death 2. Devoured By Helminthes 3. Sky Funeral 4. Infernal Earth 5. Severe Pain 6. Interuterine Delimms 7. Prepare To Die 8. The Plague 9. Vengeance Expectation

Of all the subgenre's of metal, death metal has to be the heaviest, fastest, and most evil brand of them all. Over the years, death has built up one hell of a cult following and has allowed many young (and old) souls a way of rebelling against the forces of all things good. Unfortunately, not every death metal band stands out and has the luxury of winning ones soul, to be delivered to "where evil dwells". Fleshgore, unfortunately, falls into this category with their 2003 release, Killing Absorption. Yes, it's great to hear something loud, evil, and raw, but their ability to take death metal to the next level is not present here. My initial reaction to Killing Absorption is that it (very) closely resembles the works of early 90's Broken Hope. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Broken Hope and am thankful for the pummeling metal that they consistently delivered over their 5 albums, but here in 2007 (or even in 2003 when the album was released), its time to take metal to the next extreme level.

The albums opener, Domain of Death, provides an instant death metal assult accompanied by some stellar blast beat work. However, 40 seconds into the song, it changes to more of a grove oriented style of death metal. From that point on, the album become predictable as each track presents the same formula of blast beat intro's followed by mid-paced breakdowns. The guitar riffs are your typical blend of NY Style Death Metal with both blinding speed and monumentus breakdowns.

Now, do not let this review fool you or turn you away from this album. For most people new to the Death Metal scene, Killing Absorption will represent a new, brutal brand of metal that will stand out amongst your little sisters favorite metal bands. However, to us old-schoolers that have been listening to Death Metal since it's inception, there is nothing new to be offered here. I would rather go back and listen to Swamped in Gore (Broken Hope) or Voracious Contempt (Internal Bleeding) and save my money for the new vital Remains release.



--Grim Gaijin 03.21.07