PERCUSSOR is hardcore, brutalistic, old-school Death Metal at work. Formed back in 1996, they took a hiatus before returning to the scene in 2014. "Disturbing Reality" was released earlier this year, in February, through HORROR PAIN GORE DEATH PRODUCTIONS, out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are inspired by and reminiscent of bands like SLAYER, SODOM, and MORBID ANGEL. The album blends elements of Thrash, Black Metal, Death Metal and Grunge.

The opening track plunges right in, immediately starting off with a heretical and depressing tone. An unrelenting drumbeat permeates "The Misogynist", with lyrics detailing the singer's commitment to turn his back on someone who wronged him. "Leading the Sycophants" has a quiet fury about it that delivers a strong sense of contempt wrapped up in a brutal Black Metal shell. "Stagnant Form of Life" has a long instrumental section that shows off some technical prowess and distracts from the sometimes-excessive brutality and speed. Next comes "Your Existence Sickens Me" - a cruel piece aimed not at just one individual but at the entirety of the human race. The song doesn't quite live up to that kind of hype, being a tad too mellow for something of that scale. After its intro, it does slowly build speed and intensity, but I felt like it was lacking something.

"Agoraphobic Dementia" is another instrumental piece with some electronic distortion that gives it an alien feel. "Arrogant Waste of Flesh" brings back the aggression and the vocals, which have an almost poetic cadence, which also makes it sound like a demonic chant. "Murdered" is a bonus track that wraps up the LP. It bears a grim, metallic sound, and distortion that makes the guitars at the end sound like haunted souls shrieking in the night.

This LP as a whole was a good Black metal effort, but for my personal taste it just wasn't brutal enough or smooth enough to earn a higher rating. It was as though the band couldn't commit to where they wanted to take the album. One sound would be really severe and the next would be grim but softer. While this blending can work, the balance here just didn't sit with me. I tried really hard to like it more, but just couldn't get there; but that's not to say that you won't be more enamoured by it. Give a listen to the video shared here and maybe you will hear something I didn't. Both digital and physical copies are available through BANDCAMP for those committed to make a purchase.