ALBUM REVIEW: Flub – Flub

If we were to compare extreme metal to planet Earth, then each incarnation would represent a unique culture brimming with its own style, customs and musical approach. Sometimes thought provoking, intricate and other times simply outright destructive, these sonic continents seem ever more expansive in our modern world. Returning with their third full length album, FLUB very much land on the skilful end of this spectrum, emulsifying a devilish cocktail of jazz fusion, Latin and classical music to accompany their frenetic death metal epicentre. Formed in 2013 as a super-group of sorts, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for them to lurch back onto the scene. They will hope that this self-titled effort can see them replicate past critical acclaim, as it batters auditory senses around the globe.

The first of seven tracks on offer is Last Breath, dawning as a technical maelstrom that acts as a gateway into the grating screams of Michael Alvarez. Better known for fronting tech-death juggernaut ALTERBEAST, his voice ensures carnage as it whips atop dazzling riffs and a drumming blitzkrieg. This comes to a sudden stop however, interrupted by a satiating bridge of Latin guitar picking that becomes a focal point amidst madness. Soon enough, the astute battering returns and we quickly learn that this is an album stacked with twists and turns.

Flub seems more like a demonstration of the members’ individual skill-set than a fully cohesive record, wielding jaw-dropping musicianship at every turn. It feels like the innards of Pandora’s box, thrusting outwards in a blur of intricate mayhem. The playing quality throughout Blossom would make some of the genre’s best weep with envy as it showcases a talented troupe that has been offered free reign to expose extreme aptitude upon the world. As Matthew Mudd – once of THE USER LIVES – weaves an intricate bass-line around detailed guitar work, the song blooms by name and nature, continuing to impress at every turn. The man running the riff factory is ex-VALE OF PNATH axe-man Eloy Montez, who slices some of the most complex guitar sections you’ll hear in modern metal. Equally melodic as he is razor sharp, his dexterity allows the record to quiver with flamboyance.

A dreamy intro washes over us as we embark upon Umbra Mortis, the calm before yet another storm. A wall of drums then leads the track on, forcing us onto a further chaotic ride. Dream follows a similar principle, using brutality and serenity in sporadic fashion. Although the album tells a story, it is chewed up and regurgitated, as opposed to following any chronological trend. This can make the record a little hard to follow and engage with, but it does nothing to dull the sheer ingenuity. Jared Klein‘s drums pound into Rise From Your Grave, easily as impressive as his work bearing sticks for RIVERS OF NIHIL. Tuneful jazz and shredding guitar accompany his rhythm, proving yet again that FLUB possess an endless wealth of matured, technical savvy.

Now in its latter stages, our journey next passes through Rebirth. Yet more abrasive shrieks are coupled with clean backing vocals for the first time; another string for the quartet to add to their bow. A jazzy bridge sits in the latter stages, giving breathing space before we encounter a thundering cadence. An ethereal outro leads into Wild Smoke, ultimately marking the end of the album. Making the most of yet another blistering track, it all feels over a little too soon. With a run-time just shy of half an hour, a track or two more would have been a welcome addition, but it’s hard to complain too much when the songs on display are so densely compacted.

As a final cyclone sees out the record in frantic fashion, it’s a good time to reflect on what we have just heard. Scattered, tormented yet jam-packed with impossible skill, FLUB have crafted an album custom built to make any heavy music lover salivate. Unlikely to appeal to the mainstream masses, its likely destiny is to be a niche gem that will captivate, inspire and wreak havoc for many years to come.

Rating: 8/10

Flub is set for release out now via The Artisan Era. 

Like FLUB on Facebook.