By Martin Elliott
A pounding, pulverising intro opens proceedings on “Pit of Shit”, but when the chorus comes around it becomes immediately clear that there are multiple dimensions at work here: the song will absolutely inspire headbanging and slam dancing, but the title line is catchier than the common cold and is guaranteed to be screamed with glee at gigs. This opening track also serves notice of Vulgar Dissection’s lofty standard of composition, as the song takes a trip through riff after riotous riff with no dip in quality. Indeed, the riffs assailing the ears throughout the record are guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any ardent DM fan.
Indeed, the riffs assailing the ears throughout the record are guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any ardent DM fan. The ability to craft a part that’s both crushingly heavy and surprisingly hummable is a rare talent, and the band pull off the trick multiple
times in any given song here. “Barbed Wire Masturbation” is a case in point. The relatively measured tempo of the song’s opening leaves room to pile on the heaviness, before the pulverising verse pulls together chaos and precision in equal quantities. Pig squeals make an appearance in the song, too, and while not for everyone Vulgar Dissection show understanding of how to make them work in a song without becoming tedious.
Relishing in the joyous brutality of “Nailgun Homicide”, it’s worth noting that the riffs displayed throughout the album would not sound out of place on any of the Morrisound recordings from death metal’s early days. Coupled with a modern production that’s both crisp and clear while remaining unflinchingly heavy, the combination of sonic attributes highlights the accomplished songwriting. “Living Whoretopsy” is a case in point. The song shifts through a multitude of riffs, never settling on one for long but always feeling cohesive and deliberate. The song brings in the album’s first solo, too, and it’s a glorious moment.
Highlights abound as the album continues, from the rumbling bass and hyperspeed attack of “Gasmask Asphyxiation”, to the savage threat of the grinding “Liquifying Coagulated Viscera”. “Intraoperative Insemination” is a high point of the album, throwing undeniable bounce and swagger into the mix along with a couple of surprises such as the clean arpeggio that precedes a superb solo. While the style will understandably be too brutal for many ears, those open to it are in for a treat with this level of musicality.
“STD (Sexually Transmitted Dementia)” has a touch of Swedeath sound in places, reinforcing the strengths of death metal’s near 40 year history. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine any DM fan being dissatisfied with what Vulgar Dissection bring to the table as “Laryngeal Lobotomy” brings things to a crushingly heavy close. Drawing from an utterly impressive well of talent, the band throws a plethora of ideas at the wall and every one sticks. Absolutely unmissable, “Liquifying Coagulated Viscera” is simply one of the best death metal records you’ll hear in 2025.
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