ALBUM REVIEW: Sarcoma – Alluvial

They didn’t need one, but Sarcoma feels like an early rebirth for ALLUVIAL. Formerly an instrumental outfit – this new chapter sees the quartet become a full fledged, heaving death metal force. 2017’s The Deep Longing For Annihilation provided the kind of pungent extreme metal backdrops that forced your imagination into overdrive. As opposed to acts like ANIMALS AS LEADERS, whose identity you feel would be at risk with someone at the mic stand; you always sensed that ALLUVIAL‘s force could be notched upwards with a vocalist in tow.

That’s exactly what has happened. Sarcoma‘s grim outlook is only furthered by Kevin Muller‘s desolate, cruel vocal performance. The dynamism he adds to the band is evident as soon as album opener Ulysses explodes from its intricate intro. Detailing guitarist Tim Walker‘s retrospective look on his military career: the track’s heavy narrative is finely balanced against its brutal tone. The intensity delivered with Muller‘s howl of “I put a bullet in between their eyes” makes it hard to picture how the band were such a success before his arrival.

Much to ALLUVIAL‘s credit, they haven’t sacrificed what bought them to the dance. Their FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY-meets-PSYCROPTIC sound has stood firm. The Putrid Sunrise has whack-a-mole like writing patterns, while Thy Underling‘s guitar solos leave your blood in knots. But even if you did long for ALLUVIAL‘s former self (though there’s no reason you should) you’re catered for. The sprawling, progressive instrumental Sugar Paper is a fascinating, if complex revelation of the talent at the quartet’s disposal.

But where Muller‘s edition has allowed the band to further their visceral, death metal stomp; it has also given them the room to branch further afield. 40 Stories‘ references to coerced suicide are made increasingly uncomfortable by its looping, ominous verse structure. It’s the kind of track ALLUVIAL couldn’t have considered approaching three years ago. Regardless, this segue into a more melodious slipstream only adds to their credibility.

For all it’s technical flexing, Sarcoma knows when to keep things simple. Its title track and Exponent are a combined seven minutes of ruthless bloodletting. It’s a refreshing punch. As efficient as ALLUVIAL are at piecing together obtuse extreme metal – they’re equally adept at blast beats and gnarly thrash riffs. Album closer Anodyne furthers the metal balancing act: its sharp pinch harmonics and classic metal swing is wonderfully reminiscent of peak KILLSWITCH ENGAGE.

No one was clamouring for an ALLUVIAL vocalist. But now that we’ve got one, the thought of reverting back seems nonsensical. Three years ago, the four piece were a technically impressive, fascinating instrumental act. Now? They’re one of the most exciting death metal prospects we have.

Rating: 8/10

Sarcoma is set for release on May 28th via Nuclear Blast Records. 

Like ALLUVIAL on Facebook.