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BODYDRINKERS
Swamp Hammer (2023)

Following the release of their 2020 self-titled debut album, Cork-based combo Bodydrinkers return with this new three-track offering, although the Irish band may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The abrasive vocal naps shift from death metal growls to black metal-cum-hardcore snaps, and everything else constructed around them feels muscular, confrontational and almost punky.

Catchy riffs roll in abundance, especially on the opening title track, but for me vocalist Mark Allen, through all its menace, takes a while to get used to – more so due to the higher scowls he creates. However, Swamp Hammer remains an impressive release due to its musical crushing.

The opening surge of ‘Byzantine Blinding’ is utterly monolithic in its brutal trudging and ‘Bio Terroristic Occult Sermon’ causes further carnage with its mid-paced grinding. Swamp Hammer only runs for ten-minutes but it provides a blistering barrage of no frills extremity, ideal for small clubs on dead end streets where deadbeats throw shapes to the downpour of their own sweat. Agitated, in your face metal is the order of the day here. Hammering, most certainly, but not as swampy as I expected.

For those of you interested, the Swamp Hammer demo is available here.

Neil Arnold

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