Acts as BAD BRAINS, EXHORDER and PRONG ignited what is called Groove Metal, and the genre became popular due the commercial success of PANTERA, WHITE ZOMBIE, MACHINE HEAD and SEPULTURA. The genre is filled with the groove presented by Jazz, Blues, Funk (not confuse it with the trash done at Brazil, please) and Soul, and uses slow paced tempos in the greater part of the songs, but always with an abrasive aggressive appeal. And it’s what is delivered by the North American act DEATH RATTLE, as heard on “The Moral Chokehold”, the band’s new release. Kevin Billingslea is the album’s producer, with Jens Bogren taking care of the mastering. The vision is to create an abrasive and aggressive impact for the songs, but with everything understandable for the fans, and they hit the target, because it works wonderfully.

And they have as guest Björn ‘Speed’ Strid (of SOILWORK) on the vocals on “Nietzche, and the Fall”. It's obvious that the words above state that the band works on a trench into Groove Metal that’s aggressive and nasty, and with a clear modern appeal in many moments. But it’s easy to sense the layers of feelings on the songs, because “The Moral Chokehold” is their first release since “Volition” (released back on 2017), so tons of anger, rage, deception and sadness due Covid-19 pandemic are being exorcised on these songs. Be prepared, because it sounds aggressive and personal, full of insane groove and very good technical approach, with influences inherited from Industrial Metal and Hardcore becoming evident in many moments.

Be prepared, because the caustic musical work shown on this album is like dealing with a nuclear meltdown nearby. And be sure: “The Light”, “Malthusian Dependency”, “Nietzche, and the Fall”, “Immersed in the Black”, “Veils of Consciousness” (a lovely and introspective instrumental song), “Social War Machine”, “Venom in the Crown”, “Noctivigant”, “March of Delusion” and “The Darkness” aren’t only a fine crossing between insane vocals (with screams and growls in a normal set of tunes), bone-crushing guitars and destructive playing on bass guitar and drums (with excellent rhythmic contrasts), but a coherent fusion of all of these elements with good taste, full of energy and sounding really great!

“The Moral Chokehold” is really an amazing release, and be prepared: you’ll love DEATH RATTLE’s music, even if it’s by force!