In some moments, when listening to a band’s release, an experienced writer (or even an experienced Metalhead) can have the idea from where the band comes. This happens because there’s that old and good national DNA under all the instrumental lines and harmonies. As an example, think of a North American band, and in every genre played, there’s something common: the North American Metal DNA (care for the melodies and technical appeal, a clean tendency to carry influences from 70s Hard Rock and AOR, and even an accessible appeal), and even extreme genres bears such qualities. As proof, the work of FLESHPOIL (from New York) shown on their first release, “The Beginning of the End”.

Brett Portzer (an experienced sound engineer and record producer at North Sea Studios in Albany, NY, that worked previously with acts as ANGELCORPSE, FALKIRK and others) signs the production, did the mixing and mastering as well, and the sound engineering of the drums (while the drummer Michael and the guitarist/singer Jeff did the same for the guitars and vocals). The final result is an aggressive and defined sonority that enables the band to be fully understood in every aspect. As guests, here are Kyle Chapman (of AETHEREUS and BLIGHTED EYE) on the guitar lead on “Bleed Through This Life”, Petr Oplatka (of ILLUCINUS) on the guitar solo on “Walking Dead”, and John Judkins (of RWAKE) on the guitars (lap steel) on “Bleed Through This Life” and “Skies Turn to Graves”.

Here is a Blackened Death Metal release, but filled with the USA Metal School DNA. On the brutal parts, the influences of acts as MORBID ANGEL, DEICIDE and IMMOLATION are heard, contrasting with excellent precious melodic moments inherited from traditional Metal with an Avant-garde touch (as heard on “Skies Turn to Graves”). Technical and aggressive, sharpened by excellent melodies, the band’s music shows a different insight on the genre, with a darkened touch on the ambiences that bring the mind of the fans something from releases as “The Somberlain”.

On the songs, it’s hard to hear something that pushes back their music. “Bleed Through This Life” (that shows a melodic intro, but soon explodes into a sharp and aggressive song with many melodic arrangements, with very good bass guitar and drums parts and some classic Death Metal riffing), “Skies Turn to Graves” (here the melodies brings something inherited from IN FLAMES on its early days, and the contrasts between growls, shrieks and normal tunes on the vocals are excellent), “Fleshspoil” (another aggressive moment with a gnashing ambience), “Walking Dead”, “A Frail Demise” (some Death/Thrash Metal touches can be heard on this one, with charming guitars), and “Born into Despair” are excellent songs that deserve to be enjoyed by every extreme Metal fan.

“The Beginning of the End” is a great release, and it seems to be a homage to his guitarist/singer Jeff, who passed away in March. Let’s hope that FLESHPOIL can stay on the road, because their musical work is truly precious.