There was a time I skipped USBM all together, wanting to be edgy and trve kvlt and such. I am happy I stepped off that high horse and got down to earth. Seattle based Kurse Relic proves to me, yet again, that USBM deserves a spot on the top.
The band had their debut called Prodigal Wound in the year 2020, and between this debut and their new sophomore album, released just a single in 2022. A single that also can be heard on this new album Ninth rib.
Consisting of just two members, Æsmönarr (on the drums and vocals) and M’nunnthu (real name Matt Fields, on guitars and vocals), they manage to create a tense and aggressive soundscape.
After a not that noteworthy intro the real music starts with the track Ninth rib. After the first hits there remains no dust on my speakers anymore. A tight bomb blast on the drums, harsh guitar tones and as soon as the vocals kick in, the picture is complete.
The mix sounds raw yet defined, the drums sound like they were recorded in an old cellar. Not everything is full power, the band grasps the concept of holding back while remaining the tension. Even building up upon it, and at the right moment goes right back to blasting.
That last bit, the blasting, is where the sound really shines in my ears. It is raw and chaotic, with many dissonant guitar works. The parts of this album where the band holds back sounded a bit simplistic to me in the beginning, but it just works in the overall atmosphere the band creates. The contrast they create is sounding furious, and the drummer really compliments the riffs, or the other way around, who can tell.
As example: there is a part in the seventh track Word of the wound where the guitars are just strumming very basic. But the drummer makes the riff work with his blastbeat on the hats, while playing the pedal to create an open/close type of beat. Just what the riff needed! It was just what the track needed to release some tension. My compliments!
This album is for fans of raw and primal metal, with some great twists and sense of moving forward. The tracks stand on their own, yet sound coherent. The atmosphere of the album is enhanced by the artworks made by David Glomba, and the great sounding mix and master is done by Tehom Productions. The mix needs to be your thing, but I really dig the chaotic yet greatly defined soundscape.
I listened to the previous album, Prodigal Wound, but this new album really is a big step forward. In mix/master, in riffs, in overall soundscape. If they keep this line of growth towards their next album, expect hell to unleash!
Favorite track: Word of the wound
89/100