Two decades ago the Aussie underground metal scene was formed on a foundation which was influenced by Floridian and the NY death metal scene. The Australian death metal bands had an inventive and original approach and they were musically inspired by the likes of Abramelin, Misery, Killengod and many other bands that successfully established their own take on death metal. Hailing from Melbourne, Faceless Burial is a three-piece death metal band who has set a twisted formula which makes them quite relevant to 90s style death metal. Prior to the release of their latest album ‘Speciation’, they displayed a crude rawness which manifested on the debut album ‘Grotesque Miscreation’ and the follow-up EP ‘Multiversal Abattoir‘. Faceless Burial represents themselves as the new generation of the Australian death metal and their latest album is now released via Dark Descent Records.

From the onset of the opening track, ‘Worship’ is based on heavy chunks of old school riffs and grinding drums. These riffs and the guttural growls spew rancid emissions. The tight performance of the drums is in full command. The vocals range from low grunts to deep, sickening guttural growls. From this manifestation, the mechanical death metal unit moves to groove sections while the buzzing billows of the bass guitar have an audible pitch. Faceless Burial interfaces with the obsolete methods of old school death metal. The songs on the album are modified to channel several styles.

The sophomore allows the listener to observe and measure the quality of the riffs that provide many variations. The band defines their identity by focusing on the semi-technical riffs. ‘Speciation’ is a churning death metal album where it takes a full course of almost thirty-eight minutes to reveal the incredible performance of the musicians. Some of the finest moments are displayed on the following track ‘Limbic Infirmary’ which is fulfilled by the bold brutality of the drums. The driven riffs are visceral and rotten to the core, proving that Faceless Burial has been influenced by the early 90’s death metal bands. These reflective qualities are brought by the technical skills. Most of the songs are perfectly adjusted to fit into the mid-paced style of death metal.

The songs competently meet the criteria of technical prowess. They’re chock full of riffs and blasting drums, applied with pulverizing impact. ‘Irreparably Corpsed’ moves swiftly between the mid pacing drums and the clattering blast beats. Each second of this masterwork is attained by monstrous growls and rotten riffs, the band continues to swagger the churning vibe of NY death metal. Many of this song fragments are assembled and structured to form musical riddles. The album title track ‘Speciation‘ is a slow motioned track shaped by unorthodox riffing style. Faceless Burial brings forth many fresh ideas: the newest album is considerably adjusted by the slow oozing riffs. The Aussie group has built its song structure with efficiency and skills. At times they board to the domains of death/doom metal without capturing its actual sound.

Despite their technical clarities and the intricate quality, the latest craft is quite organic. Faceless Burial possesses crafty expertise. ‘Spuming Catarrhal Gruel‘ displays a variety of catchy riffs while this track sounds faster and more straightforward. The drums are professionally crafted, measured by a visceral level and often played in a chaotic manner. Without having a direct influence from other bands, there is yet something unique that makes them akin to Tomb Mold. Specifically when it comes to the grooves, these characteristic similarities become clear. The churning atmosphere of the cavernous death metal of bands such as Incantation and the high technicality of Suffocation and Gorguts are uncovered as well.

For instance, the riffing technique often contrasts with the harmonies while the sudden shifts to blast beats add a brutal and monstrous vibe to the undisguised technicality. ‘Ravished to the Unknown’ is achieved through power chords, grinding drums and deep guttural growls. There is always a constant shift in the riffing department whereas the drums operate like a machine and command complicated tasks.

In a span of three years, Faceless Burial managed to create an architectural masterpiece of twisted death metal. ‘Speciation’ is without doubt one of the best death metal albums of the year, accomplished by the unprecedented qualities of these young lads. Highly recommended for fans of Tomb Mold, Gorguts, and Abramelin.  

Release Date: August 7th, 2020
Label: Dark Descent Records
Track list:

1. Worship
2. Limbic Infirmary
3. Irreparably Corpsed
4. Speciation
5. Spuming Catarrhal Gruel
6. Ravished to the Unknown