Slimelord – Chytridiomycosis Relinquished

Written by on 10-03-2024 at 23:22.

20 Buck Spin is really on the rise as a label. This year they have released several very pleasant releases already, including Dissimulator and Hulder. The band I am discussing today – also signed by 20 Buck Spin – is Slimelord from Leeds, England. Unlike the aforementioned bands, this clearly is a death metal band with some doom elements in its compositions. The debut with the slightly difficult-to-pronounce title Chytridiomycosis Relinquished refers to a fungal infection that causes shedding of the skin, anorexia, lethargy and other symptoms in frogs and other amphibians. I admit: I had to look that up, as this is not my field of expertise and thus not a part of the ready knowledge of your editor on duty. For those interested, the disease seems to be a significant problem for more than 350 different amphibian species. But what does this have to do with the music of this quintet? Well, let me put it this way: the band is often not subtle, is bizarrely complex, and mixes a variety of animal sounds, including a chorus of croaking frogs (Gut-Brain Axis), into the compositions, moreover by means of a fairly clear production.

This is one of those albums that I cannot easily wrap my head around. I needed quite a few listens to even begin to comprehend it. Yes, there is death metal, and yes, there is doom. The latter doesn’t immediately surface, although Batrachomorpha Resurrections Chamber does reveal the dark doom side of the band in its early stages. A prerequisite to appreciate the music offered even in the slightest is an obsession with complex structures, dissonance, opaqueness and obscure obsession. Add to that the likelihood that it might help if the concept appeals to you and if you don’t find animal sounds, only used for effect, disturbing. Describing this album in detail would go too far, but I will make a modest attempt to highlight some moments for you.

Let’s talk about the hesitant starting phase of The Hissing Moor. On a background of unfathomable guitar carpets, thick bass plucks and a vomiting vocalist become audible, after which things threaten to escalate at a rapid pace. It completely sacrifices a more consistent line, but that doesn’t bother me. The drummer must have a lot of time on his hands to practice because I cannot follow what he is up to at all. Are these impulses from his innate talent, or is he simply pounding away? I don’t know, but it’s undoubtedly impressive. The vocalist almost transcends his own body during the bizarrely intense Tidal Slaughtermarsh with whining and screaming guitars, creating a totally absurd manifestation!

The opener The Beckoning Bell initially features animals that I cannot directly identify (geese?), but it brings back memories of the completely insane debut Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz… by Impaled Nazarene. Then the band goes all out, and there is little time to take a breather. The brain is cleft during the listening experience of so many unreal twists and frenzies.

Gut-Brain Axis is a joy to my ears, especially thanks to the fantastic guitar riffs, leads and numerous cymbal strikes. Deep grunts and demonic vocals enhance the atmosphere, turning the celebration into a doom feast. However, this is short-lived, as the band members quickly pick up the pace again, until the moment when the croaking frogs make their presence felt. This brings to my mind the Chilean Sporae Autem Yuggoth, also dealing with fungi and spores, who impressed me with the debut However It Still Moves. Closing track Heroic Demise almost sounds epic in a strange way, until the very last minute when the drummer once again loses his composure.

This band leaves a very intense impression with its debut, that much is clear. Highly recommended if you belong to the target audience (Tomb Mold, Morbus Chron). And I haven’t even mentioned the beautifully colored cover of this album yet…

Score:

92/100

Label:

20 Buck Spin, 2024

Tracklisting:

1. The Beckoning Bell
2. Gut-Brain Axis
3. Splayed Mudscape
4. Batrachomorpha Resurrections Chamber
5. The Hissing Moor
6. Tidal Slaughtermarsh
7. Heroic Demise

Line-up:

  • Alexander Bradley – Guitars, vocals, percussion, other instruments
  • Ryan Sheperson – Drums
  • Andrew Ashworth – Vocals
  • John Riley – Bass, Piano
  • Krystian Zamojski – Guitars

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