This is the second album from UK mathcore band Pupil Slicer.
Following on from 2023’s well-received Blossom, Pupil Slicer have returned with the 36-minute Fleshwork. In this review I’ll make the case that this is peak Pupil Slicer so far. Fleshwork is a monster. If a mix of bands such as Converge, Deafheaven, Heriot, Rolo Tomassi, and Svalbard, sounds good, then this is one for you.
In some ways Fleshwork can be considered as the missing link between Pupil Slicer’s brutal debut album Mirrors and the more refined Blossom. In other words, Fleshwork acts as an umbrella release that encompasses both – the ferocity and chaos of Mirrors, and the atmospheric and melodic depth of Blossom. It rebalances Pupil Slicer’s competing interests – destruction and beauty – making them more complementary than ever; despite a firm inclination towards the former across Fleshwork, it’s not at the expense of select use of the latter.
This is a collection of songs that combine feral heaviness with heartfelt emotion. Pupil Slicer mix their influences – hardcore, mathcore, metalcore blackgaze, post-hardcore, industrial – into a giant cauldron and stir with all of their might. The end result is a virulent concoction that takes strength from its diversity, forging something of one voice that’s potent.
The songs are full of aggressive hooks, sharp melodic colours, and industrialised venom. Pupil Slicer have mechanised their damage dealing, but without sacrificing the heart of the music. It’s feeling-rich, textured, layered with expressive sounds, and awash with engaging content, yet also knows how to be absolutely savage. The album sounds massive. Production-wise, it’s Pupil Slicer’s strongest sound. Clear, crisp, and heavy, it allows the band to crush with their weighty hostility, while allowing their expansive elements to breathe and spread their wings.
So, are you convinced? Do you agree Fleshwork is the band’s best work? If not, why not? If so, then you’re right, it is. This is a really good record, very enjoyable, with substance to back up its style.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 