Laceration is a death/thrash band from California, who formed in 2006. Their latest album, “I Erode” is their second full-length album; they have also released four demos, a split, and an EP.
Although their Metallum page labels this death/thrash, this leans more towards death metal to me. However, when death metal is played with some unbridled energy as this album, the lines between the two genres tend to be blurred a little. Regardless of what you want to call it, this album is a blazing white hot beast of a ripper.
The production/mix is sharp as hell. Some might prefer a little more grime to their extremity but it works for the album, allowing each note from each instrument to stand out as a loud, violent example of how to craft death metal in a modern way that still honors the gods of old.
As with any great death metal album, the songs are focused on the riffs. That isn’t a problem for lead guitarist Donnie, bassist Eli and vocalist/guitarist Luke–each of them are masters of their craft and deftly combine speed and groove with just the right dose of technicality. It would be all for naught if they didn’t have that all important backbone but Aerin and his ridiculously tight drumming handles with precision and fluid motion.
Yes, the album is fast. Yes, it is brutal. Yes, it checks off all the boxes for what makes a great extreme metal album. However, it also answers a big YES to the question “But is it fun?”
Fun? In metal? I certainly can’t speak for others but I love music, specifically metal; I like it for fun and pleasure, even when I’m reviewing...I like it even more when I know the band is having a good time. I review albums, and yes I suppose that is a job even though I don’t get paid for it, but I’m not doing it for the hell of. I love it, I love the music.
And I can tell the band loves this album. As I already mentioned, they check off all the boxes that are needed for underground greatness but they definitely are not going through the motions. This is an exciting, fresh, and, well, FUN listen.
The album opens with the intro track, “Degradation,” which is nothing more than ambient noise but it does do its job of setting up the tone for the album. It also flows directly into the first full song and that is important.
That first song is “Excised,” and before the 30 second mark even passes, you’ll be headbanging like it’s 1991. The riffs are catchy, the solos bite through the songs with their fantastic tone but always make sense within the context of the song. They aren’t overly flashy nor are the other instruments—everything melds together for the sake of the song.
“Vile Incarnate,” is a pile driver, the drums hammering away like its the last thing that will ever be done on the planet. Luke’s vocals are brutal as death and cold as a grave; barking over the riffs as they slice and dice their way through is one of the many highlights the band provides. The thrashy guitar solo guts the middle of the song just before the band double downs on its speed. This song exemplifies the band doing what they do best, which is starting out extreme and adding more layers to it as they go along. They double down on their own sound and the songs are all the better for it.
“Carcerality,” is filled with groove, groove and more groove. The drums provide plenty of groove on their own, the fills are especially gripping. The bass goes hard, backing up drums and complimenting the riffs–and being very audible while doing.
The final, and title, song is nearly six minutes and that makes the longest song on the album. This allows for a more intricate song structure and the band runs with it, fleshing out their sound in a big way without changing it too much. Basically, it means they add more riffs, more solos…more everything.
Ultimately, Laceration’s “I Erode” is a gripping album that provides a blistering experience, demanding multiple listens and being engaging every time.
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