Album Review: Embryonic Autopsy – Origins Of The Deformed

Embryonic Autopsy

Album Review: Embryonic Autopsy – Origins Of The Deformed
Reviewed by Sam Jones

One of the joys I get is discovering bands whom I’ve had no prior knowledge of. In this case we have Embryonic Autopsy, hailing from Chicago, United States, with their second full length album: Origins Of The Deformed. The band certainly got up and running quickly enough as they immediately launched into their first full length album titled Prophecies Of The Conjoined back in 2022. While the band went quiet for a time, they revved into life once more with a Single earlier this year, yet merely the vanguard for this newest, full length release. Origins Of The Deformed also sees Embryonic Autopsy change up its member roster, employing new Bassist Kenxi to the role as well as drummer newcomer Marco Fimbres. So, set for a June 14th release date via Massacre Records, it’s time to see whether this altered lineup has worked for the band, and what they may grant us in the future.

We’ve encountered death metal that’s avant-garde, technical, cavernous etc but Embryonic Autopsy embody the kind of extreme metal that chugs protein shake, pulls off insane stunts of physical prowess at the gym and then punches brick walls. The band are very quick at establishing just what kind of performance you’re going to be subjected to, because that’s the insinuation I got when firing this record up. If you’re hoping for a side-by-side journey, this isn’t it. The band are keen to establish the hierarchy between themselves and you, and you’re far, far below. The record possesses a huge presence as riffs, drums and vocals all blend together to create a soundscape that’s bolder than many I’ve heard this year. Blast beats are the in thing for this album as Embryonic Autopsy forgo any notion taking their time in easing you into their record. If you can’t saddle straight into this album, the band wish you the best of luck because that’s not going to stop them relentlessly beating you down.

Instrumentation aside, the commanding feature on this record are the vocals. Death metal of course has its stereotypes, and everyday people outside this subculture will have an inkling what it sounds like, yet Embryonic Autopsy actually do sound like. These are amongst the most guttural, eviscerating vocals I’ve heard all year thus far and whilst they’re not the fastest pronounced vocals, they don’t need to be. The band’s songwriting exert the essence of tempo that helps these vocals pick up an impact that’s felt immediately and then refuses to let up. The mix also aids the vocal performance too for they’ve been placed at the absolute forefront of the record’s stage so, should you get a close vantage point during a live show, you’re getting the full, unadulterated blast of these vocals. There’s no chance of making out a single syllable that’s uttered but that’s hardly a drawback in this instance; these are monstrous, guttural vocals that have been well honed and practised owing to how sustained these low notes can be at various moments.

Album Review: Embryonic Autopsy – Origins Of The Deformed

But other than the vocals, the guitar work too pushes the band right to the brink of the record so they’re practically touching us, and we can almost touch them. Forget any concept of nicety or flamboyant playing, or any other mode of imbuing their sound with ethereal or lofty ideals, the riffs, echoing the vocal input, are concerned solely in killing you outright. It’s as if the band heard the initial guitar tracks in the recording studio, liked then, and decided it needed to go even further. Yet their power never feels overwhelming, and you’re able to experience the full band’s coherent performance throughout each track, but it’s undeniable to state the riffs are a dominating aspect of the band’s time with you. It’s a strangling presence yet one whose grip upon your windpipe is loose enough that you can breathe enough throughout their onslaught. When solos are let loose, it’s with nuclear energy that they’re released as you get the inclination that these guys aren’t here to mess around. There isn’t a second of time to be wasted.

But none of the band’s sonic assault would feel as visceral had the production felt just a little weaker than the strength the band were vying for. The instant any track begins, the band and record are sprinting head first towards with a severity to be feared; there’s never a moment where the intensity of their performance lets up, for neither does the record give you the opportunity to relax. It’s like you’ve been thrown in a sealed room, without doors not windows, the light is barely visible but you know there’s a seasoned manic in the same room and his bloodied sledgehammer is ready for you. The production and tone this record adopts reflects that perfectly if you ask me, for there isn’t a peephole or crack in the wall that sound may escape from and therefore everything manages to stay contained within the dimensions the band themselves have constructed. We’ve experienced cavernous works of death metal beforehand and whilst this is familiar, it’s a kind of cavernous that’s physically destructive as opposed to crushing depths.

In conclusion, Origins Of The Deformed is an absolutely devastating assault on the senses, and will absolutely not stop for any notion of mercy. The band are here to play the most destructive sound they can possible muster, and if you can’t handle it then kiss any remaining hope goodbye for there’s bound to be nothing remaining of your lifeless body by the time this record ceases. When there’s a quality death metal record, there’s often the feeling there’ll be something of you to recover; that’s not the case, as Embryonic Autopsy seemingly go out of their way to make your death as ruthlessly bloody and dismembering as humanely possible. From front to back, this record wants nothing more than to mount your head on a spike, and throughout its production and riffs, the band more than believably champion this idea. It’s sure to raise eyebrows, especially pertaining to the sheer violence of their soundscape. A band to keep an eye on for sure.

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