Since the day POSSESSED released “Seven Churches” (the first Death Metal full-length of all times, even with indicative of other bands being heard throughout the world), Metal would never be the same again. If we could count the expressions of different subgenres into genres of Metal, Death Metal would be the one where all musical possibilities could be used; and even this way, there are acts using a traditional insight on it, and they’re pretty good as well. Acts as 200 STABS WOUNDS, hailing from Ohio (USA) with its second full-length, “Manual Manic Procedures”.

As the words above are pointing out, the quartet works on a traditional form of North American Death Metal, but with some improvements (some melodic guitar leads, as heard on “Defiled Gestation”, some breakdown-like tempos as heard on “Ride the Flatline”, Thrash Metal/Hardcore touches and other features in such ways), creating a personal form of music that is a torrent of energy and aggressiveness. And it’s really very good! Andy Nelson (who plays on acts as BEAUTIFUL MOTHER, LIKE RATS, WEEKEND NACHOS, and runs Bricktop Recording alongside Pete Grossmann, of HIGH PRIEST) worked on the production and mixing, with Brad Boatright (a musician, record producer, and owner and mastering engineer at Audiosiege of Portland, Oregon) on the mastering. Their works created and intense, aggressive and organic-like sonority that fits on what the quartet express on its songs, but allowing things to be understood without problems. And as guest, here is Jami Morgan (of CODE ORANGE) on the additional vocals on “Ride the Flatline”).

There are many references on the band’s music, but as told above, they deal with them in personal way, making the audition of “Manual Manic Procedures” a great experience. But’s a sin to not say that “Hands of Eternity” (a long intro is followed by an aggressive song filled with excellent guitar riffs and rhythmic shifts), “Gross Abuse” (a short and intense song with tons of aggressive energy flowing from the speakers), “Manual Manic Procedures” (excellent bass playing, indeed), “Led to the Chamber/Liquified” (an massive and heavy instrumental song, depicting melodic appeal on the guitars, something that the quartet should think about for the future releases), “Defiled Gestation” (again: excellent arrangements with charming melodies arising and with many Old School Hardcore hooks, and what great drumming), and “Ride the Flatline” are incredible songs.

“Manual Manic Procedures” is a very good release, and deserves to be enjoyed by every Death Metal fan. Congratulations, 200 STAB WOUNDS.