OF FEATHER AND BONE is a death metal band from Denver, Colorado, formed in 2012. They have two full lengths, two EPs, a split and a promotional demo under their belt. Starting their careers as a more hardcore punk oriented group, the three piece eventually started incorporating elements of death metal, grindcore and crust. Their first full length is notable for its use of melody, speed, breakdowns and overall hardcore punk sounding riffs. But something truly different and even magical happens on their next LP, in my personal opinion.

This purely gritty and evil sounding album, "Bestial Hymns of Perversion" starts off with feedback and various samples, all of which provoke a feeling that something truly sinister is about to happen. In come the grindy blast on the opening track "Repulsive Obcurity." The vocals, along with their overall sound definitely can bring to mind early CRYPTOPSY. Even the vocalist resembles the deep, throaty gutturals of Lord Worm.

The trio keeps their grind-esque assault going on the following track, "Resounding From The Depths," with more blasts than you can shake a stick at, if you'll pardon the innuendo. They flesh out their roots on this track with a couple truly hardcore breakdowns that will get even the most elitist metalhead to headbang. "Mockery Of The Ascension" is a perfect example of their evolution to the death metal genre, employing some truly speedy skank blasts and tremolo picking that evokes a sense of utter torment, bringing to mind bands like DEICIDE and HATE ETERNAL. This is a band that simply cannot stick to one genre and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it is clear they wanted to show their appreciation for death metal on this one.

"Hymn Of Perversion" starts out with more chaotic tremolo picking and vocal layering, overall a very satisfying addition to the 32 minute eargasm. "Pious Abnormality" is an absolutely unforgettable track, starting with a build up of toms and into some very dissonant riffage. They don't let you forget that hardcore-influence, with a truly filthy sludge-breakdown. Every aforementioned element is present in this penultimate track and is the epitome of the band as a whole. The album predictably ends in a slower, doomy vein, with all the death metal elements still present in between the lines.

I am a huge fan of this album, if you could not tell by now. This may not be for everyone, but the sheer speed and the remarkable skill of the drummer and the ability to incorporate their love for a handful of metal genres on one record cannot go unnoticed. This trio has completely evolved over time and it is a staggering work of pure talent. The only negative thing I can say about this album is the production quality, but this is completely eclipsed by everything else going on and not at all a distraction if you are accustomed to old-school productions.