"The appeal of the spectrally macabre is generally narrow because it demands from the reader a certain degree of imagination and a capacity for detachment from everyday life." Lovecraft himself set together tidings of such dismal magnitude and near a century they still ring true and deeper with some people; SERPENT is one such individual. Slices Of Death marks the band's debut record only a couple years after inception, a huge feat for a one-man project.

The album begins with the dual track "Intro / Dead Fak" which opens up as a depressing module of ambiance, string, and choir akin to Horror Movies and their bittersweet melodies like "Lullaby" by KRYSZTOF KOMEDA which was the theme for Rosemary's Baby; the metal song that makes up the other 7/8s of the track is an onslaught, a torrent of rage and angst put through its rounds. "Man-Eating Plant" reminds me in great detail of the original Little Shop Of Horrors-as I'm sure was the intention-and contains some headbanging riffs of note, the gritty saturated guitars ring out in clear definition as they move the rest of the band through the piece second only to the vocals in ferocity. "They Live We Drink" has John Carpenter written all over it, this song does however match the movie in terms of gritty seriousness leaving little room for campy musings-the instruments sound as a firing squad starting up with no lead-in and ending with no momentum during the small break, a crazy and rather impressive motion. "The Beast (Pumpkinhead)" starts right out the gate full forced with no hesitation leaving the listener no time to recover from the preceding track. The homophonic guitar harmonies paired with the roaring voice is a unique attribute I've rarely seen before, that is in the manner by which it's done feels as intense as it is invasive. The last song and title track, "Slices Of Death" departs from the rest of the album into something more melancholic and serious as depressing strings fill the soundscape in lieu of drums, guitars, or vocalizations instead the album ends on a solemn and somber reflection.

The whole of the construction of the album is quite astounding as it's the brainchild of one individual and their love for Horror-near all of the tracks had guest musicians where the last track was composed by EMRE OZKALAY from LANCELOT, but the drive, orientation, and finished product are all the result of SERPENT. In that, the quality of the instrumentation is an interesting breed as the songs rest in the nexus of many different subgenres, the guitars feel a bit saturated and flat but in turn work pretty well with the drums both in tone and performance that the quality doesn't sound off in any manner; the bass is a bit underwhelming given how heavy the kick is but still serves its purpose of filling out the lower end, it might've benefitted from being turned up a hair but doesn't take anything away from the soundscape; the drums are a fantastic beast each strike containing breath and sustain letting the listener know they were recorded live; and, finally, the vocals are an interesting amalgamation as they rest between deep and guttural projection and a demonic tenor, despite their odd approach the two blend together quite well and help in creating a distinct sound.

Overall the album is put together pretty well, from composition to recording and delivery what lies before us is something unique; I believe the LP could have benefitted from some extra run time and a bit longer mastering but otherwise the finished product is astounding.