Album Review: Retching - Charming the Decomposed
Reviewed by Sam Jones
So, this is an interesting one. Technically Retching released this record, Charming The Decomposed late last year digitally but, we’re here to review this record as it stands for its physical edition come August 22nd. Retching are a death metal act hailing from Rhode Island, United States, and this record currently stands as their only release right now. Though released independently through digital means, Transcending Obscurity Records seems to have picked up Charming The Decomposed for that awaited physical release. It’s not often you see a physical edition come out so late after the digital but that’s where we’re at right now. This is my review of Charming The Decomposed, and here’s hoping the band might see a spike of new fans flocking to their side.
When a band uses an introductory track it’s usually an instrumental piece to ease us into the respective band’s atmosphere, but Retching demonstrate their Mortician influence by imbuing their record with a thematic piece. Entwining vicious, gut-ripping death metal with audioclips of fantasy-fulfilling hotlines and mutilating murder, Retching engross you thoroughly in this macabre cesspit so, by the time that first real track begins, you already have an inkling what this record is. The band then have freedom to expand upon a soundscape that you’ve already established in your head. The audioclips read themselves once or twice throughout the record which I appreciate; it’s evident the band wished to utilise them but not consistently on every song, only where they’re appropriate. The sound of a film reel on “Vulgar Celluloid Trophy”; a bit on human sacrifice with “Premature Decapitation”; something more brooding throughout “Fetid Abbatoir” raising the track above being a mere instrumental.
Given a name like Retching it was always insinuated the band wouldn’t hold back on the more revolting, perverse style of death metal where innocence is scantily found. You’ll receive the usual crushing guitar tone, the vocals that bellow and reach for the greatest heights, in addition to the blast beats that bludgeon and mesh with the riffs, effortlessly crafting this discordant, unrepentant volley. But early on, thankfully, Retching make a point to show their performance herein is not limited exclusively to devastating tone. There are numerous sequences where the visceral tone they take surrenders, leaving behind a more cerebral, pensive guitar sound, enabling Retching the space to write more melodic pieces that aid in giving each track a greater sense of identity. Though belligerent death be the surface enticing fans within, Retching have more than one trick up their sleeve.
With that said, the production applied to Retching’s performance does wonders for them. It’s second nature for the filthier forms of death metal to seek a crushing soundscape, but the the production behind this record makes Charming The Decomposed feel like it’s on verge of psychologically snapping at any moment. Listen keenly to the guitar work, or the barrelling medley thrust forth by the injection of drums whose bass has been amplified to the nth degree. When the band fire on all cylinders there’s no stopping them and, had the writing gone differently, I don’t think the band themselves could hope to halt their momentum. It’s why those serener instances are vital to the band, giving not only ourselves but the band too a chance to recover and draw breath. The chaos conjured by such an onslaught hasn’t been polished with gleaming finesse; it’s been trampled on, battered, thrown under sawblades, to create this coarse and torn atmosphere that’s hardly keeping itself together.
Though the band create such a hostile atmosphere it’s startling how pronounced everything manages to sound in spite of the rougher texture the record is playing off of. The band play, at most times, with incredible speed which accentuates the carnage their sound is capable of; it’s easily half the appeal of Retching’s performance. However you’ll be on the receiving end of this incessant slaughter and still retain the fullest understanding of what the riffs or particular licks actually sound like. The vocals too manage to convey their boisterous tones whilst at no time becoming drowned by the band’s bloodied frenzy, always maintaining their presence and seeing to it the audience can follow the songwriting’s path. Retching always have a firm hand, and firmer control, over what they’re doing, thus never losing total command of their riffs flying at you.
In conclusion, Retching create a seemingly by the books death metal record. It with hindsight fans will be able to look back, knowing Charming The Decomposed is in fact a much more composed and deliberately crafted opus than some may immediately presume it to be. I love that Retching showed their hand early on in the album too, they didn’t wait until we’re halfway through or nearing the end for them to play to their strengths. By showing us what they can do immediately it smashes the boundaries by which we judge an act and thus open ourselves up to a myriad of possibilities. That Mortician influence is present but it’s far from a majorative factor as these audioclips are included only for practical, thematic purposes as opposed to fulfilling banal violence alone. Charming The Decomposed is this surprising beast that is worth your time and money, and since a physical edition of this record is finally due a release, now is the perfect time to get in on Retching’s offal-friendly discourse.
