Beaten to Death are a Norwegian grindcore band and this is their sixth album.
Beaten to Death are a well-regarded grindcore band that I’ve never listened to before now, but I’ve heard good things about for years. Branded as progressive/melodic grindcore, and stated as suitable for fans of Fuck the Facts, Gridlink, and Discordance Axis by the promo blurb, I knew I had to check this out.
Sunrise over Rigor Mortis is an 18-minute explosion of colour and intensity. The music is savage and harsh, yet framed by an old-school grindcore sensibility that feels welcoming in its extremity. Beaten to Death boast melodic and atmospheric components that add depth in key places, an experimental edge that recalls a band like Cephalic Carnage, a punk swagger that infects with its enthusiasm, and a selection of jagged riffs that just want to tear your face off. This is an album that wouldn’t have been out of place released on Relapse Records in the late 90s/early 00s.
Whether it’s a folky punk singalong, a jazzy respite, or an 80s hair metal workout, Beaten to Death keep you guessing as to what’s going to come next. They’re no novelty act though, and everything is skilfully incorporated into their visceral brand of grindcore. It’s scathing and uncompromising, yet unexpectedly positive and uplifting in places.
Yep, Sunrise over Rigor Mortis smacks of classic grind fury and creativity, and it’s a great listen because of this. Raw and vibrant, the songs do what they want and do it well. Not for Beaten to Death is the polished, meticulously crafted route. Instead, they fiercely do their own thing, imbuing their material with a barely-held-together ferocity that’s endearing.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 