ALBUM REVIEW: Hypnagogic Hallucinations – Bedsore

Italian death metal outfit BEDSORE caught the eye of label 20 Buck Spin with a two track demo back in 2018 and before you know it we are now being treated to a full length debut effort entitled Hypnagogic Hallucinations which is due for release on July 24th. Will this release live up to the expectations set by their initial works?

The Gate, Disclosure commences with haunting synths and a devilish demeanour that instantly piques your interest, wondering where this is going to lead. The instrumentation ominously glides in and out of focus, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The Gate, Closure (Sarcoptes Obitus) introduces chilling, doom-laden riffing as the intensity begins to rise. All of a sudden a gruesome shriek comes forth alongside a surge of blast beats.  Deathgazer launches headfirst into intricate guitar work as the tempo pendulously ebbs and flows. BEDSORE make it almost impossible to guess what may be lurking round the corner as waves of chaotic frenzy slip in and out of the track. Thunderous drumming and meticulous shredding provide a nostalgic death metal vibe.

At The Mountains Of Madness leans into the progressive realm with quirky guitar work that perilously lurks around the arrangement. Black metal tinged riffing clambers in from the shadows bringing a swarm of frantic drumming in its wake. Vicious screams add a further stamp on the unravelling carnage. Cauliflower Growth follows in similar footsteps as the instrumentation continues to launch volleys of unforgiving aggression into proceedings. Guttural blasts and galloping guitars form the backbone of the arrangement but the track continues to chop and change in its delivery for maximum impact.

Disembowelment Of The Souls (Tabanidae) is equally as unnerving as its name suggests. Jarring riffs and abrasive wails leave you in a state of disarray. To further supplement this the track continues to twist and turn with perplexing guitar work after the initial onslaught. Brains On The Tarmac is probably how you’re feeling after being subjected to the utter ferocity thus far but the opening riffs are strangely soothing and offer up a moment to compose yourself. This is soon negated as prominent bass lines and pulsing drum beats initiate one further flurry of swift savagery.

It wouldn’t be wise to assume that a band named BEDSORE are solely an out and out death metal band. The broad spectrum of experimentation on offer within Hypnagogic Hallucinations allows it to branch out way beyond the mere prospect of neatly pigeon-holing it into one genre. You never quite know what will crop up next and this proves for a particularly enticing experience which has left the door wide open for whatever direction this collective decide to venture towards going forward.

Rating: 9/10

Hypnagogic Hallucinations is set for release on July 24th via 20 Buck Spin.

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