out July 30: Fetid Zombie -- death from Mark Riddick and his friends in low places

Fetid Zombie

Transmutations

Transcending Obscurity Records

July 30th, 2021

Don't judge a book by its cover because looks can be deceiving, like in this case. It is likely that you have seen the artwork of Mark Riddick before. In Fetid Zombie he does vocals, guitars, bass, drum programming and samples, and who knows what else. Riddick, says the internet, has done artwork for some of your favorites like Autopsy, The Black Dahlia Murder, Arch Enemy, Exodus, Morbid Angel, and lots more too. Metal Archives says that he has been involved with Grave Wax, Macabra, Excrescent, Unearthed, Moonroot, Hexentanz, The Soil Bleeds Black, Folkearth, Unburied, and Equimanthorn. Regarding this particular album, the official information reveals the following tag team action: Riddick on rhythm guitar, bass, synth, and effects (and drum programming, we assume), with vocals from his cronies Ralf Hauber (Heads For The Dead, Revel In Flesh), Chris Monroy (Skeletal Remains), and Clare Webster (Yylva); Josh Fleischer (Svierg) on rhythm guitar; on lead guitar Jamie Whyte (Beyond Mortal Dreams), James Malone (Arsis), Malcolm Pugh (Inferi), and Toby Knapp (Affliktor, Waxen), and Malone again on synth.

The vocals, for the most part, consist of gruff growling, with some variety, of course, including some melodic singing. The riffs, while still being heavy, are catchy, more like rock-based heaviness but tuned down. The guitar riffs/solos are very melodic, again, in way that is not the usual style in growling genres. The riffs/solos have a pleasant and sometimes rocking, sometimes melancholic feel. Other than the mechanical, sawft drum sound—lacking the vitality of a human drummer that can groove with these songs—it's a surprisingly pleasant, catchy listening experience. Other than the drum programming matter, those seeking death that is easy to understand and enjoy may find what they are searching for here.

Transmutations (Death Metal) by FETID ZOMBIE (US)