This is the third album from US death metallers Ripped to Shreds.
Featuring current and ex-members of bands such as Azath, Disincarnation, and Spinebreaker, 劇變 (Jubian) contains 36 minutes of meaty death metal heaviness.
Ripped to Shreds play a form of death metal that bases itself on the old-school Swedish style, but isn’t limited to this; the band are adept at also incorporating wider influences into the fold. The end result is a ferocious, yet considered, brand of death metal carnage. Imagine a cross between Dismember and Fleshcrawl, with some Carcass, Terrorizer, Slayer, and Bolt Thrower chucked in for good measure.
There are grindcore and thrash influences that can be detected here and there, but mostly this is a feast of old-school death metal mayhem. The guitars have that chainsaw power that we love to hear in this sort of style. Punctuated by molten guitar solos and the occasional dark melody, the songs are energetic and furious. Damn, if there aren’t some great riffs on this monster too.
The well-written music is a clear labour of love, and it’s played with passion and raw enthusiasm. It has an underground violence to it that’s potent and authentic, yet the quality control levels are higher than you might expect for such an obvious passion project.
劇變 (Jubian) is a strong example of how to take the old-school template and make it your own. Ripped to Shreds have produced a very enjoyable and satisfying slab of death metal that should appeal to any fan of the classic style.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 