OSDM? NSDM? BDSM? Whatever era of death metal you're a fan of, Degraved will tickle your fancy. This Seattle-based band has released its first full-length album, "Spectral Realm of Ruin," with all the old-school aesthetics and sounds intact. You could've convinced me this LP came out in 1994 just by the cover, and I wouldn't have batted an eye. I am partial to the early days of death metal, but the bands of today are nothing like the bands of yesterday. A lot WANT to be, some of them TRY to be, but only a few ARE.

"Pariah of Death & Darkness" starts things off chaotic, dirty, and as muddy as a pig on crack. The demo tape-like sound quality is rough enough to sand down any blade, and the vocals cut like one, only duller and more painful. The cacophony of blast beats and bulky bass is always reminding you of their presence, whether you like it or not. On they continue in "Sulfuric Embalming." There is no intention to slow anything down, make anything clearer, or explain any further. Admittedly, there are some slow(er) segments, but their only purpose is to give a guitar solo or drum fill the spotlight. You could label it some type of grindcore by its pace, but save the label for tracks like "Inept Descent," or at least the first half. The song takes a somewhat symphonic turn as it winds down. Don't do that again. Keep it brutal. "Stalker of the Herd" features the best drum work out of the album so far, and they adopt black metal characteristics shortly after the intro. The relentless attitude of Degraved is only extended and added to in the songs to come.

The epic of the album, "Unseen," actually has some musical variety. Before you stop reading, no, Degraved didn't start singing in cleans or whatever you posers hate. They actually spice things up with ambient sections, groovy, almost danceable riffs, and the usual fast-paced mayhem. It drags on after a while, and I fully expected it to. "March of the Undead" is aptly named, as this song could raise the dead with ease. It and the closing number "Vacuous Sate" (which describes my brain currently) wrap things up with filth and vulgarity.

I'm still impressed "Spectral Realm of Union" came out just last year. Everything about Degraved screams old-school death metal. I'd say this is one of the better bands to attempt to bring the vibes of the good ol' days back, even if it was a just-okay album. If you're angry and ready to get even angrier, pick up Degraved's newest work.