Avulsed: Rising From the Gore-Soaked Earth
With unwavering dedication, Avulsed has come back to paint the world black once again.
After an eleven-year silence following 2013's "Ritual Zombi," the Spanish metal veterans have emerged from the shadows with "Phoenix Cryptobiosis," an album that lives up to its name.
Founded by vocalist Dave Rotten in 1991, Avulsed has always been a force to be reckoned with in the extreme metal scene. Their early experimentations with techno-infused death metal on "Cybergore" (1998) morphed into the pure brutality of "Stabwound Orgasm" by 1999, and the band has consistently pushed boundaries while maintaining their core identity. Now, with "Phoenix Cryptobiosis," set for release on March 4th, 2025 through Xtreem Music, they've crafted their most ripened and preeminent work to date.
The album opens with the instrumental "Limbs Regeneration," serving as a haunting prelude to the carnage that follows. When "Lacerate To Dominate" kicks in, it becomes immediately apparent that the decade-long wait has only served to sharpen Avulsed's sonic weapons. The new lineup demonstrates a remarkable chemistry, delivering performances that honor the band's brutal legacy while injecting fresh energy into their cryptic sound.
Tracks like "Unrotted" showcase the band's evolved songwriting approach, featuring riffs that drill themselves into your consciousness alongside choruses that refuse to release their grip. The drum work on "Devotion For Putrefaction" maintains the trademark primal fury that has always been at the heart of Avulsed's sound. "Guts Of The Gore Gods," where Dave Rotten's vocal performance reaches new heights of intensity, proves that three decades in the game have only strengthened his commanding presence.
Art by Daemorph
Special mention needs to be made of "Bio-Cadaver," a standout track that epitomizes the album's perfect balance of old-school death metal authenticity and modern production values. The mastering work by Davide Billia (known for his work with Beheaded and Devangelic) provides the perfect finishing touch, ensuring every element of the band's intricate arrangements cut through with clarity while maintaining the raw, organic feel essential to genuine death metal.
The new album is adorned with striking cover art by Daemorph, providing a fitting visual representation of the sonic devastation contained inside. It's a complete package that brings back the nostalgia of death metal cover art from the early 90s.
"Phoenix Cryptobiosis" sits apart from a lot of contemporary death metal releases due to its ability to honor the genre's traditions while avoiding stagnation. The maturity in songwriting is evident in the way the band crafts memorable passages without sacrificing intensity. Each track reveals new layers with repeated listens, almost like a painting. It definitely delivers the immediate impact that true death metal fans crave without wiping out your attention from the more modern “oversaturated speed phenomena”.
For both longtime followers and newcomers to Avulsed's music, "Phoenix Cryptobiosis" serves as a masterclass in how death metal can evolve while maintaining its essential character. It's a testament to the genre's enduring power and proof that even after more than thirty years, Avulsed remains capable of pushing boundaries and setting new standards for extreme metal excellence.
As 2025 creeps up on us all, "Phoenix Cryptobiosis" stands poised to be remembered as one of the year's defining death metal releases. Avulsed has not just returned – they've risen from the ashes stronger than ever, ready to reclaim their throne in the hierarchy. Theirs is a resurrection that sets a new benchmark for what modern death metal can achieve.
